Pope Leo XIV has begun his summer break in Castel Gandolfo, where he will stay until July 27. His return to the Apostolic Palace is a historic first, as it has been eleven years since Benedict XVI, who is now emeritus, spent a portion of his summer there in 2015. This signals a return to a centuries-old custom that Pope Francis broke during his twelve-year pontificate by foregoing his holiday in the Alban Hills and instead residing at Casa Santa Marta and putting the papal quarters in Castel Gandolfo into a public museum. The Pope's entrance was signaled by a flag displaying his coat of arms appearing on the balcony, prompting acclaim from the faithful assembled in Piazza della Libertà. Looking out, Leo simply stated the spirit of the next weeks: a little rest, a little prayer, a little reading, and—hopefully—a little exercise. During the vacation, all general, private, and special audiences will be discontinued until August 5. There's also a remarkable coincidence: this year commemorates exactly four centuries since Urban VIII established the custom of papal summer visits in Castel Gandolfo in 1626. The diocese of Albano, together with the parish and town, is already planning the anniversary celebrations. For the town of Castel Gandolfo, beyond its spiritual significance, the Pope's return also represents a welcome influx of pilgrims and tourists.