After the whirlwind of his election and a nonstop round of public and private meetings ever since, Pope Leo XIV has chosen to take some time to rest and recharge. Choosing where to take his vacation was a simple decision.

Escape the heat in Rome in this lakeside town where popes have holidayed for centuries. View on euronews

Eventually the Apostolic Camera seized the property from the Savelli family due to financial issues, and in 1604 Castel Gandolfo was incorporated into the Holy See’s assets. The history of the papal summer residence The ancient villa was transformed into a summer residence by order of Pope Urban VIII, born Maffeo Vincenzo Barberini.