VATICAN CITY. Pope Leo XIV is reviving a long-standing Vatican tradition by taking a six-week summer retreat to Castel Gandolfo, the papal residence overlooking Lake Albano, marking his first break since his historic election on May 8. But even in rest, the new pontiff carries a heavy workload.
Known for his humility and quiet leadership style, Pope Leo told cardinals during his first homily that Church leaders must “make oneself small,” so only Christ remains. Since then, he has embraced a discreet, non-protagonistic approach to his role, in contrast to his predecessors.
While Leo will be out of the public eye, those close to him say he intends to spend his time in deep reflection and preparation. The new pope is expected to review key issues facing the Church, including internal appointments, Vatican finances, abuse cases, and liturgical unity.
Among his top tasks is appointing a new prefect to lead the office responsible for vetting bishop candidates, his own former position. He also must decide whether to retain Cardinal Pietro Parolin as Vatican secretary of state, a role equivalent to prime minister, or appoint someone new.
Pope Leo also faces mounting pressure to address the Vatican’s financial instability. The Holy See is operating with a structural deficit of €50–60 million and a €1 billion shortfall in its pension fund.
He inherits unresolved sexual abuse cases, including that of Father Marko Rupnik, a prominent mosaic artist accused of abusing over two dozen adult women and nuns. Though the case involves no minors, it has drawn fierce criticism over allegations of preferential treatment during the previous papacy. The Vatican recently appointed external canon lawyers to finally hear the case.
Another legal concern involves Cardinal Angelo Becciu, convicted in 2023 along with eight others over financial crimes related to the Vatican’s failed €350 million London property deal. As the case moves to appeal, allegations have surfaced of improper coordination between Vatican prosecutors and the star witness. While Pope Leo may wish to avoid direct involvement, he will eventually need to clarify Becciu’s status within the Church.
Promoting unity and healing liturgical divisions is also high on Pope Leo’s agenda. Many conservative Catholics hope he will reverse Pope Francis’ restrictions on the traditional Latin Mass. Cardinal Raymond Burke recently urged Leo to end what he called a “persecution of the faithful” who prefer the old rite.
Beyond internal matters, Pope Leo is also exploring how the Church should approach global issues like artificial intelligence. A formal Church document on the topic may be forthcoming.
As for travel, Leo has a pending invitation to Turkey for the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, potentially in November. He has also been invited to visit the United States, Ukraine, his former diocese in Peru, and even Argentina, which never saw a papal visit under Pope Francis.
Castel Gandolfo residents are thrilled to host a pope again after 12 summers without one. During Pope Francis’ tenure, the estate was converted into a public museum. Locals hope Pope Leo’s stay will revive the retreat’s legacy as a place of prayer, writing, and quiet reflection.
“Remember, many encyclicals were written here,” said Rev. Tadeusz Rozmus, the local parish priest, expressing optimism about what this summer might bring for the Church under Pope Leo’s thoughtful leadership.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
