Pope Leo XIV extended his vacation at Castel Gandolfo, returning on July 22 and again for Ferragosto. Pope Leo's vacation has been a 'working vacation,' including celebrating Mass, visiting a monastery, and meeting with various groups. The Pope is working on his first encyclical, which will likely address peace, unity, and artificial intelligence. Pope Leo plans to play basketball and tennis during his free time, indicating his interests beyond official duties.
5 months ago
Pope Leo XIV has extended his current vacation at Castel Gandolfo by two days, now planning to depart on July 22 instead of July 20, with a return visit scheduled for August 15-17 for the Italian holiday of Ferragosto 1. This retreat, like those of his predecessors, has largely been a "working vacation" 1. Since July 6, Pope Leo has celebrated an outdoor Mass, visited a police station and a Poor Clares monastery, spoken with young people, met a U.S. Catholic-Orthodox dialogue group, and held a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 1. He is also reportedly using this time to work on his first encyclical, which is expected to address peace, unity, and artificial intelligence 1.
While acknowledging limited time for relaxation, Pope Leo XIV has indicated his personal interests, promising to play basketball with local youth and expressing an intention to play tennis "when the waters calm" 1. He is known to be a tennis enthusiast, having played a match shortly after his election, and a tennis court was constructed at Castel Gandolfo for his visit 1. His other hobbies include playing the piano, recently performing a piece by Béla Bartók, and a deep interest in cars, including taking road trips and even fixing parishioners' vehicles in Peru using YouTube tutorials 1.
Previous popes also had distinct ways of unwinding. Pope Francis, who famously opted not to use the Castel Gandolfo summer residence and instead converted parts of it into a museum, was known for his love of music, possessing a large collection of classical and Elvis Presley CDs, and enjoying Argentine tango 1. He primarily found relaxation in spending time with people, holding private audiences and choosing to live in the Vatican guesthouse to avoid isolation 1. Pope Benedict XVI was also a pianist, favoring Mozart, and was known for his affection for cats, even feeding strays in the Vatican gardens 1. Uniquely, Benedict XVI held a helicopter pilot's license and occasionally piloted the papal helicopter between the Vatican and Castel Gandolfo 1. Saint John Paul II was notably athletic, enjoying Alpine hiking, skiing, canoeing, and swimming, and even had a swimming pool installed at Castel Gandolfo for his use 1.
Castel Gandolfo, situated in the Alban Hills outside Rome, has served as a papal summer residence since Pope Urban VIII in 1626, with next year marking its 400th anniversary in this role 1. The area has a long history as a retreat, dating back to Roman Emperor Domitian's villa 1. After a period of disuse following the 19th-century Risorgimento, popes resumed using the residence after the 1929 Lateran Pacts 1. The site also holds significant historical importance, having served as a refuge for over 12,000 civilians, including Roman Jews, during World War II, and was the location where two modern-era popes, Pius XII and Paul VI, died 1. The Vatican Observatory's headquarters were also moved to Castel Gandolfo by Pope Pius XI 1.
What is the role of the Pope's leisure in his ministry?
The role of the Pope's leisure, while not formally defined in canonical or theological texts, is understood as a necessary component for the sustained effectiveness and spiritual well-being of the Holy Father in his demanding ministry. The papacy is an office of immense responsibility, requiring constant spiritual discernment, administrative oversight, pastoral care for the universal Church, and diplomatic engagement.
For the Pope, "leisure" is not typically understood as mere idleness but rather as a vital period of rest, personal renewal, and spiritual replenishment. This time allows the Holy Father to:
In essence, the Pope's leisure serves as a vital means of sustaining the Holy Father in his unique and arduous vocation. It is not a luxury but a practical necessity that enables him to fulfill his ministry with renewed energy, spiritual depth, and sustained dedication for the good of the entire Catholic Church.