Castel Gandolfo

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Archive photo of Benedict XVI in the papal gardens at Castel Gandolfo.

Benedict XVI pays a surprise visit to Castel Gandolfo

Jul 26, 2019

By Courtney Mares

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI left Vatican City Thursday to make a surprise visit to Castel Gandolfo.  Read more

The private chapel in the papal residence at Castel Gandolfo.

Castel Gandolfo, the summer home of Popes, opens to the public

Oct 22, 2016

By Elise Harris

Used for centuries as a private summer residence for Popes, the Apostolic Palace in Castel Gandolfo has now been opened... Read more

Pope Benedict XVI, May 11, 2010.

After a two-week vacation, Benedict XVI heads back to Rome

Jul 14, 2015

By Elise Harris

With two restful weeks outside of the Vatican behind him and two honorary doctorates in hand, Benedict XVI has again... Read more

Pope Francis and Benedict XVI at the Monastery of Mater Ecclesiae in Vatican City on June 30, 2015.

Francis wishes Benedict XVI a good summer in Castel Gandolfo

Jun 30, 2015

By Elise Harris

Before heading out for his two-week stay at the papal residence in Castel Gandolfo this summer, retired pontiff Benedict XVI... Read more

The papal residence in Castel Gandolfo.

Pope Francis will brave Rome's summer heat

Jun 6, 2013

Breaking with the practice of his predecessors, Pope Francis will not take a long summer vacation and will stay in... Read more

Pope Benedict XVI.

Pope says Christ's life was one of sacrifice, not popularity

Aug 19, 2012

Pope Benedict XVI said that Jesus did not seek recognition during his public ministry but chose instead to preach the... Read more

The Pontifical Villa called "Villa Barberini" in Castel Gandolfo.

Villa director reveals rich history behind Pope's summer home

Aug 8, 2012

By Kevin J. Jones, Alan Holdren

Saverio Petrillo, director of the Pontifical Villas at Castel Gandolfo, knows that the villas and farm at Pope Benedict's summer... Read more

Pope Benedict XVI.

Summer with Pope the best time of the year, Italian bishop says

Jul 25, 2012

Bishop Marcello Semeraro of Castel Gandolfo, Italy said that with the arrival of Pope Benedict XVI for his summer vacation,... Read more

Pope Benedict XVI.

Pope Benedict leaves Vatican for summer residence

Jul 3, 2012

On July 3, Pope Benedict left the Vatican for his summer residence at Castel Gandolfo, located outside of Rome.  Read more