Pope Leo XIV has returned to the Apostolic Palace in Castel Gandolfo following a stay in Rome for the first half of August, according to Vatican announcements. The Holy Father traveled to the papal residence on Wednesday evening, August 12, after completing public audiences at the Vatican.
This seasonal relocation to Castel Gandolfo occurs after the Holy Father spent July at the Apostolic Palace in Castel Gandolfo.
Solemnity of the Assumption at Villa Nova
On Saturday, August 15, Pope Leo XIV will mark the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary by celebrating Holy Mass at the Pontifical Parish of St. Thomas of Villanova in Castel Gandolfo. According to the liturgical office, the Eucharistic celebration is scheduled for 10:00 AM, bringing the pontiff together with the community of believers.
The parish visit highlights a significant Marian feast day within the Catholic calendar. During the previous summer, the Holy Father visited the same church and the nearby astronomical observatory.
Following the liturgical service, the pope is scheduled to lead the midday Angelus prayer from Castel Gandolfo on both Saturday, August 15, and Sunday, August 16, at 12:00 PM. Vatican officials confirmed that the pontiff will remain in Castel Gandolfo through August 18.
Upcoming Apostolic Travels and Parish Visits
The papal summer schedule extends beyond the immediate Castel Gandolfo area in the latter half of August. On Saturday, August 22, Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to visit San Marino and Rimini to participate in the “Meeting for Friendship Among Peoples.”
Local liturgical calendars also note an upcoming visit to the parish of Santa Maria del Lago—known locally as Maria Santissima del lago—on Saturday, August 29. The church is located in Castel Gandolfo.
The Holy See continues to release updated logistical details regarding the papal residence and public engagements through the Vatican’s official information channels as the summer itinerary progresses.
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