Castel Gandolfo Hopes for Tourist Boost as Pope Leo XIV Visits

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Castel Gandolfo Hopes for Tourist Boost as Pope Leo XIV Visits
Photo: Andrew Medichini/AP/TT

The small town of Castel Gandolfo, just over two miles southeast of Rome, is hoping for a new upswing. The reason is that Pope Leo XIV is resuming the tradition and spending his vacation in the coolness by the shores of Lake Albano.

On July 6, Leo begins his vacation in Castel Gandolfo, according to Vatican News. The vacation lasts until July 20, with interruptions for local masses and performances on site that Leo will hold.

Former Pope Francis, known for his hard work ethic, did not use the summer residence in Castel Gandolfo but stayed in the Vatican. In 2014, the building was instead opened to the public and has since functioned as a museum.

The museum will continue to be open during Leo's visit, as he has chosen to stay in another building.

The mayor of the town with around 9,000 inhabitants, Alberto De Angelis, is delighted with the pope's arrival. With the pope come the tourists who want to catch a glimpse of the leader of the Catholic Church, he hopes.

The presence of the popes in Castel Gandolfo has always meant a lot of activity, a lot of economic growth, he says to CBS News.

Café owner Stefano Carosi is just as happy:

Pope Leo has given us a wonderful gift ... the pope attracts people, he says.

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By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for our readers

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