‘Just Started and Already on Vacation’: A Look Inside the Lakeside Residence Where Pope Leo XIV Stayed This Summer

Several supporters believe that the Pontiff deserved a much-needed break only months after being appointed as the Roman head of state. Take a look at the location where he rested.

Pope Leo XIV began his summer vacation on July 6, 2025, in Castel Gandolfo, Italy. He was reportedly welcomed by a massive crowd, including numerous religious sisters.

According to reports, he was scheduled to stay until July 20 and return for several more days in August. The Holy Father spent his summer holidays at Villa Barberini, which was built in 1628.

Ahead of the Pope’s arrival, a resident, Maurizio Carosi, shared in an interview that the residence, which is surrounded by sprawling, manicured gardens, did not need updates because it was well maintained.

The only work required was repainting certain areas and refreshing facilities that had not been used for several years. Carosi added:

“Villa Barberini is beautiful just as it is.”

The Roman bishop stayed in the garden area while the Pontifical Swiss Guard, the papal security corps, occupied the back part of the Apostolic Palace.

To ensure the head of state’s safety, the barracks were torn down and completely rebuilt. Vatican employees worked tirelessly on the 136-acre grounds of Castel Gandolfo ahead of the bishop’s arrival.

Preparations included on a swimming pool and a tennis court on the property, which overlooks a lake. Pope Leo, known as a sports enthusiast, reportedly exercises at the gym three times a week, making these amenities ideal for his personal retreat.

Like Pope Leo, several other pontiffs have spent their summer vacations at Castel Gandolfo for four centuries.

After learning that he would be going there for his rest, netizens expressed their support.

“What a beautiful place for Pope Leo’s much deserved vacation, and how exciting for the town ❤,[sic]” one person wrote. Another echoed the sentiment, “Papa needs all the rest he could get this ☀️ summer. The work ahead is enormous. Happy holidays Papa.[sic]”

Someone else expressed appreciation for the Pontiff, “Thank you POPE LEO XIV for continuing the tradition.[sic]” Another gushed, “What a beautiful place. So refreshing with the water and a cooling breeze.”

“After his life from cardinal changed overnight to Pope and all that comes with it and the grueling pace he has kept up since that glorious moment, Pope Leo XIV has certainly earned this period of rest and renewal in Castel Gandolfo!” another comment read.

One observer noted,“I think the previous pope thought he was being humble, and it was a good look, not to use these residences as it might’ve come off as to ‘royal’ but seeing the tradition of using things even like residences is very nice to see.[sic]”

“Fantastic. Really too bad Francis pretty much shut the place down from papal activity. Pope is a hard 24/7 job and can use a break from Rome,” another added.

Meanwhile, someone else remarked on the Pope’s recent appointment, “Just started and already on vacation. Enjoy the free time, sir.”

Pope Leo’s arrival at his vacation destination created quite a buzz. Residents of the quiet town were thrilled to see him. As he approached the Apostolic Palace, he exited his car to greet the crowd of people who had waited for hours behind barriers to meet him.

There was applause and chants as they called out, “Pope Leo!” “Your Holiness!” “Holy Father!” As he greeted the crowd, the Pontiff blessed children held by their parents and went on to greet elderly women awaiting him.

One of them, a Spanish woman named Conchita from Zaragoza who had visited Rome for the holiday, shared her experience:

“I shook his hand and said, ‘Pope Leo, I love you very much.'”

People from different countries also tried to gain his attention. Nuns of the Congregation of the Presentation of Mary, originally from Cameroon, called out to the Bishop in French, hoping he would come closer.

After interacting with as many people as possible, Pope Leo entered the villa, where several officials awaited him, including the president of the Vatican Governorate, Mayor Alberto De Angelis, Bishop Vincenzo Viva, director of Pontifical Villas, and Sister Raffaella Petrini.

The Pontiff also made a surprise appearance on the villa’s balcony, waving to the people on the street. Directly below, four nuns — Maria Deleite de los Santos, Maria Regina Pacis, Maria José (a Peruvian from Piura), and Maria Maestra — greeted the head of state up close.

They expressed gratitude for his decision to greet them personally:

“We have been to many audiences, but this is the first time we have seen him so close.”

The sisters welcomed the Bishop to Castel Gandolfo and offered prayers for his efforts and his much-deserved rest. Despite being on vacation, the Bishop attended to some duties, including celebrating Mass on July 13, 2025, in the Lazio municipality.

Pope Leo XIV’s stay at Castel Gandolfo reflects a return to a centuries-old papal tradition. His visit drew significant crowds and reaffirmed his connection with the faithful.

The well-preserved villa, with its modern amenities, provided a perfect balance of rest and reflection. Even during his time away, the Pontiff continued to fulfill essential duties to the Church.