The Pope will be staying in Castel Gandolfo, alternating rest, prayer, and meetings with the local community. Monsignor Vincenzo Viva, Bishop of Albano, shared his reflections on the arrival of Pope Leo XIV at the Papal Villas, where he will remain until 20 July for a period of rest, reflection, and celebrations. On Sunday 13 July he will preside over Mass at the papal parish in Castel Gandolfo, and on 20 July at the cathedral in Albano. “We are living this time as a gift and a special honour,” said the prelate, as the community prepares to welcome him with joy.
(Foto Siciliani-Gennari/SIR)
Your Excellency, what did you feel upon welcoming the Pope on his arrival in Castel Gandolfo?
We had been waiting for this moment for a long time. We did not expect such a prompt response. We had invited him because, last February, Pope Francis had appointed him Cardinal Bishop of the Diocese of Albano, but after his election he had not yet taken possession. The fact that he chose to spend a period of rest in Castel Gandolfo also offers the opportunity to meet the community, with celebrations, the recitation of the Angelus, and Mass. His response filled us with joy. Yesterday we welcomed him with emotion and enthusiasm.
There is a special bond between the diocese and the Pope. How would you describe it?
There is a twofold bond. On the one hand, Castel Gandolfo has been the summer residence of the Popes for 400 years, and
each of them has maintained a unique relationship with this place.
On the other hand, the diocese – and particularly the town of Castel Gandolfo with the Papal Villas – has always cultivated a deep spiritual bond with the Pontiff and the Petrine See.
🏛 Castel Gandolfo, the summer residence of the Popes for 400 years
Since 1626, when Pope Urban VIII moved there, Castel Gandolfo has been the summer residence of almost all Popes. The Papal Villas complex extends over approximately 55 hectares and includes the Apostolic Palace, the gardens, and the ancient ruins of Emperor Domitian’s villa. John Paul II spent long periods of rest there, Benedict XVI retired there after renouncing the papacy, and Pope Francis, although not using it as a summer residence, opened it to the public as a museum. With his stay, Pope Leo XIV revives an ancient tradition.
And with Pope Leo XIV in particular?
With him the bond is even more significant, because he had been appointed Cardinal Bishop of Albano and should have taken possession on 12 May, the city’s patronal feast, before the Conclave elected him Pope.
It is therefore a diocese assigned to him, which now welcomes him as Pontiff.
How is the community experiencing this visit?
In Castel Gandolfo and Albano there is an atmosphere of expectation and fervour. Everyone is preparing to welcome him in the best possible way. Two Masses are planned in Castel Gandolfo and four recitations of the Angelus. Institutions, the municipality, and law enforcement are working closely together. Even the Carabinieri, who are based in an ancient Jesuit convent, have a special bond with the Papal Villas.
What is the atmosphere like in the diocese these days?
It is a diocese rich in religious life, with over 800 sisters, numerous congregations, and an enthusiastic, well-formed laity.
We are all experiencing this visit as a gift and a special honour. Moreover, this is the first time he celebrates outside the Vatican as Pope.
We are the first Italian diocese to welcome him. This makes us proud.
Does the Pope’s return to Castel Gandolfo restore the symbolic value of this place?
Certainly. It is clear that the Pope is living this stay as a time of rest, but also of reflection and writing. In the first weeks of his pontificate he fully immersed himself in his ministry, with numerous audiences. I was moved to see him carrying the Blessed Sacrament of Corpus Domini through the streets of Rome, like a parish priest or a diocesan bishop.
How do you interpret this time of rest for the Pope?
He has lived very intense weeks, also emotionally, because his life has changed radically. He carries the full weight of the magisterium. However, I believe that this stay will also be rich in encounters with people and the territory.
I know that various events are planned that will leave little space for real rest.
Pope Leo XIV lives his ministry in his own personal style, without wanting to imitate anyone. He pursues significant themes and gestures, such as encouraging small towns, but he also interprets holidays in his own way, as everyone has the right to do.
Will you have the opportunity to meet him personally in the coming days?
In addition to the celebrations already planned, there will be opportunities for the faithful to approach him and greet him. We also know that the programme includes other appointments that I cannot reveal for now. However, I am certain that there will be moments of encounter with the community and, perhaps, some surprises, according to his way of living this time.
