(ANS – Castel Gandolfo) – In an interview with Vatican News, Polish Salesian Fr. Tadeusz Rozmus, pastor of the Pontifical Parish of St. Thomas of Villanova in Castel Gandolfo, expressed his hope that Pope Leo XIV will enjoy a restful summer stay in the town.

“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 sports.”

Fr. Rozmus reflected on the Pope’s first days in Castel Gandolfo, recalled his visits over the past year, and described the excitement of local residents at the Pope’s return to the Apostolic Palace.

The Surprise of the Pope’s Greeting

Fr. Tadeusz first expressed his gratitude because, during his first greeting from the balcony of the Apostolic Palace, Pope Leo XIV offered a personal greeting to the parish priest and the parish community—something that came as a complete surprise.

“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 pastor have an important role. It was a very beautiful gesture by the Holy Father toward our entire community.”

A Time for Rest

The pastor noted that Pope Leo’s stay this year has a different character from last year’s, as the Holy Father has made it clear that he wants this time to be one of genuine rest.

“The Holy Father said clearly,” Fr. Rozmus recalled, “that he came here to pray, to rest, to devote himself to reading, and to sports. 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.”

He added that the faithful are also eagerly looking forward to praying the Angelus with the Pope and to any other encounters that Pope Leo may choose to hold during his stay.

Meetings That Strengthened the Bond

Fr. Tadeusz also spoke about the many opportunities he has had to meet Pope Leo during the Holy Father’s frequent visits to Castel Gandolfo over the past year. Nearly every week, Pope Leo would travel to Villa Barberini on Monday afternoon and remain there until Tuesday evening.

Before departing the residence, he would stop to greet pilgrims gathered outside or speak with journalists.

As pastor of the parish, Fr. Rozmus often had the opportunity to exchange a few words with the Holy Father, share information, or simply offer a greeting.

“They were very beautiful moments, during which one could truly sense his fatherly closeness,” he said. “I hope this tradition will continue even after the summer vacation has ended.”

An Unforgettable Mass and a Gift from the Pope

Looking back on last year—Pope Leo’s first summer as Pope—Fr. Rozmus recalled with deep emotion the first Mass celebrated on July 13, 2025, at the Parish of St. Thomas of Villanova. The church was unable to accommodate all the faithful who wished to attend.

One memory remains especially close to his heart: the moment when the Pope addressed the parish directly and presented it with a special gift.

“He gave us a beautiful liturgical chalice. I had the honor 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, Fr. Tadeusz explained that St. John Paul II still holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Castel Gandolfo. Parishioners frequently recall memories of the beloved Pope.

“On Sunday 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. In 2026, the Church marks the 400th anniversary of the beginning of the tradition of the Popes’ summer residence at Castel Gandolfo.

The tradition began with Pope Urban VIII in 1626.

“Together with the Diocese, the local authorities, and the parish, we are preparing celebrations for this anniversary. It is an extraordinary opportunity,” Fr. Tadeusz Rozmus concluded, “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.”

Source: Vatican News