Pope Leo to resume papal tradition with plan to escape Rome's summer heat
Leo will head to the papal retreat of Castel Gandolfo, south of Rome, from July 6-20 'for a period of rest' and again for a few days over the Catholic Assumption feast day in August, the Vatican said.
Advertisement
Leo visited the papal summer palace last month, raising speculation that he would resume a tradition that goes back centuries.
Pope Urban VIII built the palace in 1624 to give popes an escape from the sweltering Roman summer.
Leo will head to the papal retreat of Castel Gandolfo (Andrew Medichini/AP)
It was enlarged over succeeding pontificates to its present size of 136 acres, bigger than Vatican City itself.
Pope Francis, who died just after Easter, was known as a workaholic homebody who never took a proper holiday during his 12-year papacy, staying at the Vatican even during the hot summer months.
Advertisement
Both of Francis' immediate predecessors, John Paul II and Benedict XVI, spent time at Castel Gandolfo, interspersed with visits to the northern Italian Alps.
Benedict was especially fond of Castel Gandolfo, closing his papacy out there in 2013.
Partly to offset an economic downturn in the local town due to the papal absence, Francis opened the palazzo's gardens to the public in 2014 and later turned part of it into a museum.
In what will be a boon to the local community, Leo is resuming the traditional Angelus blessing to the faithful gathered in front of Castel Gandolfo on July 13 and July 20, and again on August 15 and 17, when he returns for a short stay over Italy's most important summer holiday.
Advertisement
Public and private audiences at the Vatican will be suspended for most of July, resuming on July 30.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
12 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Big Brother host Will Best reveals why it was a mistake proposing to his long-term girlfriend on holiday
He was with his girlfriend over a decade before popping the question – so it's unsurprising that Will Best and his fiancé Tobi Rose are still yet to start planning their wedding over a year on from the proposal. The Big Brother host got down on one knee in Tuscany in July last year. In an exclusive interview with MailOnline Travel, he says: 'It was lovely. It was really nice. 'The only problem is now my fiancé is like, 'oh, let's get married in Tuscany too'. 'But that just sounds expensive.' To stop her badgering him to set a date, Will goes on to confesses he 'told Tobi' about a segment he did on his Hits Radio show, in which many couples who'd been engaged for a long time called in, including one who had been for 32 years. But Will and stylist Tobi have always taken things so slow, he admits. They didn't even go on their first week-long holiday together until 2022, 11 years after they'd started dating. Will explains: 'We'd done a decade without a proper holiday, because we're both freelancers, and every time I booked a holiday, work would come up, or every time something would happen which meant I couldn't do it. 'So we would holiday sporadically and briefly - lots of city breaks, lots of weekends away, which is still great, but your long, fully unplugged holiday, that took us a long time. 'Also, because I travel a lot with work, it kind of always felt like my my travel itch was being scratched all the time, and she travels a lot with work as well, like she goes on shoots abroad for weeks at a time. 'But now, my aim with a holiday is to try and unplug as profoundly as possible.' For Will, the best holiday he and Tobi have been on was to Morocco. He says: 'We stayed in this lovely hotel, which didn't really feel like a hotel – the Jnane Tamsna. 'There's no bar or concierge desk, and if you want a drink, you just WhatsApp this dude and he'll bring you a beer. 'Also, obviously Marrakesh is nothing like London, and I like trying to go to places that feel totally unlike home, so I can get into a destressed environment and mind state as quickly as possible.' While Marrakesh was lovely for Will and Tobi, the same can't be said for their trip to Jamaica. He recalls: 'I'd always wanted to go, and I got loads of amazing recommendations from a friend of mine, who's got Jamaican family and goes out there all the time. 'She gave us all these recommendations, and we were super excited. 'Then we got there, and it rained for the entire week, and me and my partner were both really ill. 'We arrived feeling a bit under the weather, and then spent a week just in our hotel room feeling ill while it rained. It was a long way to go to just stare at the same four walls. 'We watched a lot of Netflix. It was really depressing. We'd force ourselves to get up, we'd go to a restaurant, and then immediately, just be like, 'We can't. We've got to get back to the Netflix.'' This summer, Will, along with his Big Brother co-host AJ Odudu, is planning to go to festivals around the UK – and 'hopefully sneak into an Oasis gig'. And while he does that, he'll be taking full advantage of Holiday Inn Express' Fresh package, while AJ will be getting a Fried box, filled with a Stanley cup, eye gels and hydration tablets. He says: 'The boxes each contain different things based on how you like to either prepare to sleep after a gig or recover, from maybe not enough sleep, the next day. 'When I was looking at the different care packages, I realised that I am very much falling into the Fresh camp, and it's not because I'm old, all right? 'It's because I now do breakfast radio on Hits Radio with Fleur East and James Barr, and I now have to get up stupidly early every single day, even if I have gone to a gig the night before, so my whole life now revolves around my sleep routine, and I need to maintain that even if I'm going out to a gig. 'In the Fresh box, you're getting really good, reusable ear plugs, mouth tape, which helps you get into an REM sleep quickly, lavender aromatherapy and essential oils. 'Then, for breakfast, you've got your fruit, your granolas, your fresh yogurt and I can go straight to the radio and not feel like I'm I'm going to keel over, which is a constant struggle.' Holiday Inn Express' Fresh or Fried campaign is running from 24th July - 24th September 2025, with boxes available at select properties across the UK and Ireland and online at while stocks last. Find out more at
Daily Mail
12 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Angela Rayner's department racks up enough air miles to fly round the world 13 TIMES as Deputy PM enjoys foreign jaunts to Africa and Europe
's department racked up enough air miles last year to fly around the world nearly 13 times. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government's (MHCLG) annual report, published this week, revealed a huge rise in international air travel in 2024/25. Staff travelled 514,785km on foreign trips over 12-month period - almost five times the 108,060km in international air travel in 2023/24, when the Tories were in power. Since taking charge of MHCLG, Ms Rayner - who is also the Deputy Prime Minister - has enjoyed foreign jaunts to Europe and Africa. In November, Ms Rayner travelled to The Vatican to meet Pope Francis, before she headed on to Seville to meet the Spanish PM. She followed this up with a trip to Ethiopia and Ghana in February, during which she reportedly asked if she could use the opportunity to go on a personal safari. The Deputy PM's trip to Africa to meet national leaders saw her accused of snubbing her bulging in-tray of domestic duties in favour of 'swanning around the world'. MHCLG's foreign travel in 2024/25 was estimated to have emitted 77.4 tonnes of carbon dioxide. Some 92 tonnes of carbon dioxide was also emitted from the department's domestic flying over the same period - up from 59 tonnes in 2023/24. Meanwhile, MHCLG staff travelled 13,774km on the Eurostar in 2024/25 - up from 10,240km in the previous year. MHCLG said the year-on-year increase in international air travel can be 'partly attributed to the increase in significant international conferences that were attended by Homes England staff during the latter part of the financial year'. It also admitted it had not met a target for reducing carbon emissions from domestic flights, but pointed to the recent opening of an office in Belfast. David Simmonds, the Tory shadow housing minister, said: 'This is a totally unserious use of taxpayer money or officials' time. 'Angela Rayner should be focusing on delivering the homes this country needs, but Labour have no plans to deliver, not gallivanting around the world playing at Deputy PM.' An MHCLG spokesman said: 'Overall departmental emissions from business travel have decreased by 33 per cent compared to the 2017-18 baseline. 'And international travel emissions remain lower than the 2017-18 baseline.'
Time Out Dubai
12 hours ago
- Time Out Dubai
Where to watch the UEFA Women's Euro final in Dubai: England vs Spain
After 29 matches, 104 goals and more than a few nervous moments, we now know our two finalists. The UEFA Women's Euro final of 2025 will see the reigning world champions Spain take on the defending European champions England. If England's matches so far in the Euros are anything to go by then we're in for yet another dramatic evening on Sunday July 27. The two giants of the game will kick-off at 8pm Gulf Standard Time at the St. Jakob Park in the Swiss city of Basel. England have needed super-subs Michelle Agyemang and Chloe Kelly to come to the rescue with late goals against Sweden and Italy in the knock-out rounds, giving manager Sarina Wiegman a headache as she aims to win her third successive Women's Euros. Spain's route to the final has been, typically, more controlled with the only tricky obstacle so far being the extra-time victory in the semi-final against Germany. Otherwise, Spain have comfortably beaten Portugal, Belgium, Italy and Switzerland on their way to the final with Alexia Putellas, Patri Gujarro and Aitana Bonmatí particularly standing out. Where to watch the UEFA Women's European Championship final in Dubai Barasti Head to Barasti to watch the UEFA Women's Euro final in Dubai (Credit: Barasti) Barasti is a fail-safe option if you're looking for a lively spot to watch the match. High tables and lounging areas face the humongous screen that sits up front and centre outside, while smaller screens are dotted around inside if you can't find space. Open daily 9am-3am. Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Dubai Marina, (04 318 1313). Bedrock Bedrock is a modern sports bar with a fun twist. You'll be able to watch the Women's Euro final on their 20 TV screens across the bar. Happy days. What's more, you'll also find darts boards and a golf simulator to blow off some steam should your team lose. Win-win. Open daily noon-2am. Pier 7 in Marina Promenade, Dubai Marina, reception@ (04 578 1668). Belgian Café (Credit: Belgian Cafe) Celebrate all things from Belgian here with special drinks and bites offers available throughout the season. Giant screens will show all the action and you can expect a lively atmosphere. No minimum spend. Grand Millennium Dubai, Barsha Heights, (04 423 4100). Brighton Rock This lively spot in JBR offers classic British fare. Usually broadcasts a wide variety of sports with the Women's Euros taking prime spot this Sunday. Special deals include a daily happy hour until 8pm and daily two-for-one deals. Hilton Dubai The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residences (058 552 7017). CLAW BBQ (Credit: Supplied) With a seven-hour happy hour, both CLAW locations in Dubai (JBR and the Palm) have become havens for football fans. For those who want a break from the action, there's pinball, air hockey, pool, a Bucking Bronco and more. Open Mon-Thu, noon-2am, Fri noon-3am, Sat 8am-3am, Sun 8am-2am. Pavilion at the Beach, Dubai Marina (04 577 4357). Open Sun-Thu noon-2am, Fri-Sat noon-3am. Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah (04 230 0054). Fibber Magee's Screens are dotted everywhere around this much-loved Irish pub, making it a perfect venue to watch the Women's Euros final. If you're expecting to be able to enjoy the football in a quiet setting look elsewhere – because Fibbers seems to be a perennial home to a lively, Irish atmosphere. You'll find a six-hour happy hour between 2pm and 8pm with drinks starting from Dhs25, a Sunday to Friday happy hour between 1pm and 7pm as well as a Sunday roast from Dhs99. Open daily 8am-3am. Saeed Tower One, Sheikh Zayed Road (04 332 2400). Open Mun-Thu 9am-2am, Fri-Sat 9am-3am. Social Hotel, Barsha Heights. (04 332 2400) garden on 8 With loads of screens (and two huge ones) dotted around the terrace area, you needn't look further for a top place to watch the Women's Euro final in Dubai. The food menu offers classic pub fare – think burgers, pizzas, and some of the best chips about. Count us in. Open noon-2am. Media One Hotel, Dubai Media City (04 427 1000). Goose Island Tap House Goose Island is not just a sports bar for those who like to watch sport, it's also a popular choice for fans who want some friendly competition of their own as they eagerly await kick off. There are now two Goose Island venues in Dubai and they're both well worth checking out. Happy hour is between noon and 6pm on Saturday and Sunday, extending until 8pm on weekdays at both venues. Open Sun-Wed noon-2am, Thu-Sat noon-3am. FIVE Jumeirah Village, Jumeirah Village Circle, (04 455 9989). Open Mon – Thu noon – 2am, Fri – Sat 10am – 3am, Sun 10am – 2am. FIVE LUXE, JBR, (04 275 9999). McCafferty's No matter which location of McCafferty's Irish bar you visit (they have one in JVC and another in Al Furjan) you can watch the Women's Euros final on the giant LED screens on the terraces. Note that if the final clashes with the All-Ireland Final then there will be a delay in showing the football. Whether moving about the venue or staying inside, HD TVs streaming the games are dotted throughout so you won't miss a thing. Craving Irish comfort food? Pick one of the belly-busting items on the menu. Open daily 10 am-2am. Circle Mall, JVC. (058 599 3623). Open Sun-Thu 10am-midnight, Fri-Sat 10am-2am. Jebel Ali Village, Al Furjan. (04 422 1491). Open Mon-Thu 11am-1am, Fri 11am-2am, Sat-Sun 9am-2am. Pyramids Wafi, Oud Metha. (058 507 3623). McGettigan's There aren't many better places to watch sport in Dubai than at one of the city's McGettigan's branches. With screens dotted around every bar, these staple Irish pubs will be showing the Women's Euros final. You'll find a happy hour offering between Sunday and Friday at the Souk Madinat Jumeirah and the Factory on The Palm until 8pm. Open Mon – Thu noon – 2am, Fri noon – 3am, Sat – Sun 10am-3am. Bonnington Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Cluster J, JLT (04 356 0470). Open Sun-Thu noon-2am, Fri-Sat noon-3am. Dubai World Trade Centre (04 262 0407). Open Mon-Thu 4pm-1am, Fri-Sun noon-2am. Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah (04 230 0062). Open Mon-Thu noon-2am, Fri 12pm-3am, Sat 10am-3am, Sun 10am-2am. Souk Madinat Jumeirah (04 447 0219). Open Mon-Fri 12.30pm-3am, Fri-Sat 10am-3am. The Walk, JBR (04 318 2580). Open Mon – Wed 4pm – 1am, Thu and Sun noon-1am, Fri-Sat noon – 2am. Dubai Science Park, Al Barsha South. (04 567 1400) Mr Toad's This Premier Inn pub chain is quickly establishing itself as a Dubai institution – and Mr Toad's should be on your list of venues if you're looking for somewhere to watch the Champions League this year. There's a daily all-day happy hour and you can watch the matches on a big screen. Football with affordable food and drink? Now that's a winning combination. Open daily noon-1am. Premier Inn Hotel, Al Jaddaf (056 411 4602). Open daily noon-1am. Premier Inn Barsha Heights Hotel, Al Khareef 2 Street (050 143 8751). Open daily noon-1am. Premier Inn Dubai Investments Park, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (04 885 1899). Open daily 3pm-midnight. Premier Inn Dubai Ibn Battuta Hotel (04 278 2222). Open daily noon-1am. Premier Inn Dubai Silicon Oasis Hotel, E311 (04 336 3184). Nell Gwynne If you're after affordable pints and a chilled-out spot to watch football, Nell Gwynne could be the place for you. In Dubai Marina, it's a prime location with a price list that's not overbearing. There are deals on hops buckets costing Dhs139 daily until 3am and a happy hour from noon until 8pm every day. Open Mon-Fri 11am-3am, Sat-Sun 9am-3am. Marina Byblos Hotel, Al Hubob Sreet, Dubai Marina (04 448 8222). Offside Want to see kick-off on a 200-inch screen? Check out Offside in Dubai Marina. There is an additional eight screens and it's good for groups with lots of long tables and plenty of things to do before the games begin. Open noon-3am. JA Ocean View Hotel, JBR. (056 522 0219). Phileas Fogg Happy hour anyone? Credit: Phileas Fogg's At Phileas Fogg you can watch the Women's Euro final with a gorgeous golf course as your backdrop. If you want company, head over to the 33,000 sq ft space complete with a restaurant, pub, garden and a covered amphitheatre that can host up to 1000 people. You will not be short of an atmosphere. Open Mon-Thu 11am-2am Fri-Sun 8am-3am. Montgomerie Golf Academy, Emirates Hills, (04 572 4477). The Irish Village (Credit: The Irish Village) A favourite among sports-lovers in Dubai, this popular Irish pub is a cracking place to watch football. Having operated at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium for more than 20 years, it's a Dubai institution – and its Studio City venue is just as good. Open Sun-Thu 11am-1am, Fri-Sat 11am-2am. Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, Garhoud (04 282 4750). Open Sun-Thu 11am-1am, Fri-Sat 11am-2am. Studio One, Dubai Studio City (04 241 8444). Other things to do in Dubai Dubai's 10 best sports bars, with great beverages and banging food Catch all the big games at these brilliant sports bars in Dubai Dubai happy hours: Best bar deals, offers and discounts Cheap drinks every night of the week? You've come to the right place Dubai ladies' night list: absolutely brilliant deals, offers and discounts Grab your girls for a fabulous Friday night
