By Fr Łukasz Bankowski
“Our hope is that the Holy Father will be well here in Castel Gandolfo, that he may rest and accomplish what he himself has said is the purpose of his stay: prayer, rest, reading and sport.”
This is the wish expressed by Father Tadeusz Rozmus, SDB, parish priest of the Pontifical Parish of St Thomas of Villanova, in an interview with Vatican News.
The Polish Salesian priest speaks about the first days of the Pope’s summer stay, recalls last year’s visit, and describes the excitement of local residents at the Pope’s return to the Apostolic Palace.
The surprise of the Pope’s greeting
Father Tadeusz first expresses his gratitude because, in his first greeting from the balcony of the Apostolic Palace, Leo XIV addressed a personal greeting to the parish priest and the parish community. It came as a complete surprise to him.
“For me it was an enormous surprise. I saw it as a recognition of the importance of our Pontifical Parish. Although the Vatican institutions located here operate independently, under Canon Law the parish and its parish priest have an important role. It was a very beautiful gesture by the Holy Father toward our entire community.”
A time for rest
The parish priest suggested that Pope Leo’s stay this year has a different character from last year’s. The Pope had already announced that he wanted to spend this period in Castel Gandolfo as a genuine time of rest.
“The Holy Father said clearly,” Fr Rozmus recalled, “that he came here to pray, to rest, to devote himself to reading and to sport. We have no particular expectations; we simply want him to feel at home here and to spend this time peacefully, according to his own wishes.”
The same, he reminded, is true of the faithful, who are especially looking forward with joy to the Angelus and to any other possible encounters that Pope Leo himself has indicated may take place.
Meetings that strengthened the bond
Father Tadeusz also spoke about the many occasions he has had to meet the Pope during his frequent visits to Castel Gandolfo over the past year. Almost every week, Pope Leo would travel to Villa Barberini on Monday afternoon and remain there until Tuesday evening.
As he left the residence, he would stop to greet the pilgrims gathered outside or speak with journalists.
The priest remembered as a parish priest having the opportunity to exchange a few words with the Holy Father, pass on some information, or simply greet him.
“They were very beautiful moments, during which one could truly sense his fatherly closeness,” he said, adding, “I hope this tradition will continue even after the summer holiday has ended.”
An unforgettable Mass and a gift from the Pope
Looking back to last year, to Pope Leo’s first summer as Pope, Father Rozmus recalls with deep emotion the first Mass celebrated on Jul 13 at the Parish of St Thomas of Villanova. The small church was unable to accommodate all the faithful who wished to take part in the celebration.
What remains closest to the priest’s heart, he noted, is the moment when the Pope addressed the parish directly and presented it with a special gift.
“He gave us a beautiful liturgical chalice,” he shared, recalling, “I had the honour of receiving it from his hands on behalf of the entire community, and I thanked him for this gesture. It will remain one of the most important moments of my priestly life.”
Memories of St John Paul II
Continuing his reflections, Father Tadeusz Rozmus explained that Pope St John Paul II holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Castel Gandolfo. The name of the saintly Pope constantly returns in the stories shared by parishioners.
“On Sunday,” he noted, “I saw people with tears in their eyes. Many were remembering their childhood, when the Popes came regularly to Castel Gandolfo. People spoke often about St John Paul II. The residents simply say: ‘He was our Pope.’ And when they speak about him, you can truly sense their emotion. Leo XIV’s return brings those memories back to life and gives people the feeling that this beautiful papal tradition is continuing.”
Four centuries of the Popes’ presence
This year’s papal summer stay also coincides with an important anniversary, for 2026 marks the Church’s 400th anniversary of the beginning of the tradition of the Popes’ summer residence at Castel Gandolfo.
The first Pope to begin the tradition was Pope Urban VIII in 1626.
“Together with the Diocese, the local authorities and the parish,” Father Tadeusz said, “we are preparing celebrations for this anniversary. It is an extraordinary opportunity to remember four centuries of the presence of Peter’s Successors in Castel Gandolfo and to highlight the importance of this place in the history of the Church.” – Vatican News
