Castel Gandolfo
In popes’ traditional summer retreat, locals move on without Francis
By Claire Giangravé — August 14, 2020
(RNS) — In the years since Francis decided he'd stay in Rome, locals have been forced to reenvision Castel Gandolfo without the glamour — and revenue — the papal visits brought them.
Vatican stargazers look for divine inspiration
By Josephine McKenna — May 24, 2017
(RNS) — 'The observatory exists to show the world that the Catholic Church supports science,' says Brother Guy Consolmagno, an astronomer from Detroit who is also the observatory’s director.
Pope gives up another indulgence: His summer palace
By Josephine McKenna — October 21, 2016
CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy (RNS) Without ever having spent a night there, the pope ordered Castel Gandolfo, where pontiffs have holidayed for nearly 400 years, be turned into a museum.
Pope Francis shuns summer palace again; locals say town losing tourism
By Rosie Scammell — July 31, 2015
CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy (RNS) The silence that hangs over Castel Gandolfo is, according to the locals, principally the result of Pope Francis’ absence.
Meet the pope’s astronomer, who says he’d baptize an alien if given the chance
By David Gibson — December 3, 2014
NEW YORK (RNS) “The thing that really bothers me is the creeping fundamentalism among Catholics who think that they have to sacrifice their reason to follow God. And that is exactly the opposite of what God wants.”
Advisers urge Pope Francis to slow down for a summer break
By David Gibson — June 6, 2014
WASHINGTON (RNS) Last summer, Pope Francis did not take a break and did not decamp to the papal retreat at Castel Gandolfo, a move church officials said was part of his desire to downplay the trappings of the papacy and to save money.
Pope forgoes summer holidays
By Alessandro Speciale — June 6, 2013
(RNS) Pope Francis will remain in Rome this summer, unlike his predecessor, Benedict XVI, who used to spend three months at Castel Gandolfo, the papal retreat.
Pope Francis welcomes Benedict XVI back to the Vatican
By Alessandro Speciale — May 2, 2013
VATICAN CITY (RNS) While some church observers worry that Benedict XVI could overshadow Pope Francis and his course of reforms, one veteran commentator said the side-by-side popes shouldn't cause a “crisis in the church.”
When the new pope meets the old pope: Awkward?
By David Gibson — March 21, 2013
(RNS) Now that Pope Francis has been duly installed, his next order of business is doing something no other pope has had to do in centuries: pay homage to the guy he replaced.
Pope Benedict XVI leaves office, promises ‘obedience’ to successor
By Alessandro Speciale — February 28, 2013
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The papacy of Benedict XVI came to a quiet end at 8 p.m. on Thursday (Feb. 28), making him the first pope in 600 years to voluntarily leave office.
Benedict will be ‘Pope Emeritus’ after resignation
By Alessandro Speciale — February 26, 2013
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Pope Benedict XVI will be known as “Pope Emeritus” after his retirement on Thursday, and will continue to wear the traditional white papal vestments.
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