‘Amazing gift’: Pope Leo to go on 2 weeks holiday; Locals thrilled as local Gandolfo wait for the first pope in 12 years

For the first time in more than a decade, Custel Gandolfo will once again host a Pope, as Pope Leo prepares to revive a long -standing tradition of taking summer breaks in Seren Hill Town, south of Rome.From 6 to 20 July, the Pope Leo, which was elected after the death of Pope Francis on May 8, will remain in the cool Lakeside community of 9,000 inhabitants located on the banks of the Lake Albano. Local people are welcoming the news with enthusiasm, hopeful that the Pope’s presence will breathe fresh life in the city’s tourism industry.The Vatican has owned a Grand Popal Niwas in Castail Gandolfo since 1596, but Pope Francis specifically refused to use it, instead the option to spend its summer within the Vatican and convert the palace into a museum. While the museum will remain open, Pope Leo has chosen to stay in the property owned by nearby Vatican while retreating.For local business owners and civil leaders, the Pope’s return is a welcome change, the first by a Pope in 12 years. “Pope Leo has given us a wonderful gift,” Stephano Karosi said, which runs a coffee shop on the main section of the city. “The Pope has always been important here … because he attracts people,” Reuters quoted the businessman.Mayor Alberto de Angelis also expressed enthusiasm about the journey. He said, “The presence of platforms in Custel Gandolfo always means a lot of activity, very much more economic development,” he said, describing the excitement of the community around Leo’s journey.While the Pope Leo is expected to place a low profile behind the Watican Compound Walls, loyal and visitors will have a chance to see them during the two public religious ceremonies prescribed for July 13 and 20.The temperature in Rome has already moved beyond 37 ° C in this summer, making Castel Gandolpho’s cooler climms, historically avoiding a pope from heat, especially inviting. Dozens of pops before Leo have retreated here during the summer months.Although the Pope of Francis never stayed overnight in the city of Francis, the residents credited them to open the gardens of the palace and convert the historic residence into a museum. Marina Rossi said, “It was more than a hit-and-run tourism, because they were the audience and then they left.” “Now there is a stable flow of tourism throughout the year.”Nevertheless, with the return of Pope Leo, she sees even more opportunities for the city. “This is an important moment,” Rossi said. “I will hide my happiness.”And for those who could get up in their downtime for those who could get Pontiff, Stephano’s brother Maurizio had a mild suggestion, “If you want a good glass of alcohol, travel with me!”