Pope Leo XIV Returns to Vatican, Plans Curial Restructuring and Staff Changes

Pope Leo XIV came back to the Vatican after a month‑long vacation at his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo. He has set a series of curial decisions that will shape his pontificate, including the retirement and replacement of several dicastery heads: Cardinal Marcello Semeraro (Causes of Saints), Cardinal Arthur Roche (Divine Worship), Cardinal Kurt Koch (Christian Unity) and Cardinal Kevin Farrell (Laity, Family and Life). Cardinal Lazzaro You is also due to retire in November.

The pope has already named Montse Alvarado, former COO of EWTN, to lead the Dicastery for Communication starting in November. While most appointments follow the usual generational turnover, speculation remains about a possible change at the Secretariat of State, where Cardinal Pietro Parolin, now 73, may be succeeded by a papal choice. In addition to his administrative agenda, Pope Leo XIV continues his personal routine of taking Tuesdays off at Castel Gandolfo for tennis, swimming and horse‑riding, a practice he highlighted as essential for balancing his demanding schedule.