Pope Leo XIV Reopens Castel Gandolfo for Summer Retreat

Rome: Pope Leo XIV on Thursday made a quick foray to Castel Gandolfo, the papal summer residence in the Alban Hills south of Rome which he is reopening after his predecessor Francis turned it into a museum. Leo will spend two weeks in the newly reopened residence starting on Sunday, July 6.

According to Ansa News Agency, sources said the impromptu visit to the papal apartments had not been planned until Thursday morning. The unexpected decision marks a shift in the use of the historic site, which had previously been accessible to the public as a museum under Pope Francis.