Pope Leo XIV resumes ancient practice of taking summer break. However, he's busier than ever with assignments.
Pope Leo XIV, elected on May 8, is set to embark on a six-week vacation starting this weekend at the papal summer retreat on Lake Alban, Castel Gandolfo. The residents of this picturesque town are eagerly awaiting his arrival, having recovered from the economic hit of pope-free summers after Pope Francis opened the papal palace and gardens to the public as a museum year-round.
During his time off, Pope Leo XIV has several significant matters to address. On July 5, 2025, he appointed French Archbishop Thibault Verny as the new president of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, reflecting his ongoing commitment to safeguarding minors and addressing Church-related abuse issues.
The Pope is also expected to reflect on potential appointments within the Roman Curia and other significant decisions to be made in the latter half of 2025. This period is crucial for shaping the administration and spiritual leadership of the Vatican.
Pope Leo XIV is also overseeing significant canonizations. On June 13, 2025, he conducted a consistory approving the canonization of eight candidates, including Blesseds Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati, whose joint canonization is set for September 7, 2025. These events highlight a focus on recognising youthful sanctity and holiness within the Church.
In addition, the Pope plans to participate in the Jubilee of Youth celebration scheduled from July 28 to August 3, 2025. This event is an important occasion for the Church to engage with young Catholics worldwide, following his previous endorsements of young saints such as Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati.
A document regarding artificial intelligence might be in the works under Pope Leo XIV, as he has identified artificial intelligence as a pressing issue facing humanity. However, details about his travel plans and other decisions are still unclear, as he has received invitations from Vice President JD Vance (U.S.), Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and the residents of his old diocese in Chiclayo, Peru, and Argentina.
The Vatican is running a structural deficit of around 50-60 million euros, and there is a 1-billion euro shortfall in its pension fund. There is also an ongoing legal case involving Cardinal Angelo Becciu and the Vatican's "trial of the century." Despite these challenges, the Vatican continues to move forward, with Pope Leo XIV reappointing all Vatican prefects until further notice.
The Rev. Tadeusz Rozmus, the town's parish priest, noted that many encyclicals were written at Castel Gandolfo, and it is expected that the Pope will use his time off to study the most pressing problems facing the Church. The future of the Church under Pope Leo XIV's leadership is shaping up to be an exciting and transformative journey.
- Amid the papal vacation, Pope Leo XIV is expected to address pressing matters such as appointments within the Roman Curia and decisions that will shape the administration and spiritual leadership of the Vatican in the latter half of 2025.
- The Pope is also working on a potential document regarding artificial intelligence, highlighting his concern for this issue as it affects humanity.
- Pope Leo XIV is set to canonize eight candidates, including Blesseds Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati, exhibiting a focus on recognizing youthful sanctity and holiness within the Church.
- Despite financial challenges, including a structural deficit and a 1-billion euro shortfall in the Vatican's pension fund, the Vatican continues to move forward under Pope Leo XIV's leadership, with the Pope reappointing all Vatican prefects until further notice.
