Pope Leon XIV urges peace during Montecassino visit and summer stay in Castel Gandolfo

On 20 July 2026 Pope Leon XIV made a surprise private visit to the Benedictine Abbey of Montecassino, Italy. He prayed at the tomb of Saint Benedict, asked for peace in regions marked by bloodshed and conflict, and dined with the monastic community before returning to his summer residence.

While on holiday at the Apostolic Palace in Castel Gandolfo until 27 July, the Pope suspended all general, private and extraordinary audiences. He led the Angelus prayer, addressed crowds gathered in the palace courtyard and warned against a “logic of success and grandeur”. He urged believers not to forget those who suffer and die because of wars, to seek beauty and humility, and hosted musical concerts. Visits from his brother John and Polish pilgrim groups were also part of his summer itinerary.