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Pope Leo XIV returns to the practice of taking a summer break, armed with a stack of assignments.

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Pope Leo XIV continues the longstanding practice of taking a summer break, yet he faces a pile of...
Pope Leo XIV continues the longstanding practice of taking a summer break, yet he faces a pile of academic tasks ahead.

Pope Leo XIV returns to the practice of taking a summer break, armed with a stack of assignments.

**Pope Leo XIV Beginning Six-Week Vacation at Castel Gandolfo Amidst Pressing Church Issues**

Pope Leo XIV commences a six-week break at Castel Gandolfo, the historic papal summer retreat, from July 6 to August 17, 2025. The pope's choice to reside at this tranquil location signifies a return to tradition and offers a serene environment for contemplation and planning.

One of the most pressing challenges facing Pope Leo XIV is the Vatican's financial predicament. The Holy See is currently running a structural deficit of around 50-60 million euros and has a 1 billion euro shortfall in its pension fund. Financial reform and management of the Vatican's economic affairs will likely be a top priority during the pope's stay at Castel Gandolfo.

In addition to addressing financial matters, Pope Leo XIV will also focus on making important leadership appointments. Key personnel within the Vatican bureaucracy will be crucial in tackling ongoing issues in governance and reform. Among the significant appointments to be made are filling the pope's old job as prefect of the office that vets bishop nominations and selecting his No. 2, the Vatican secretary of state.

The pope inherits a church that has dealt with numerous scandals and a morale crisis among the hierarchy. His predecessor, Pope Francis, focused on addressing scandals and cleaning house within the Curia. It is reasonable to infer that Leo XIV will continue efforts to manage or investigate high-profile clergy cases and restore trust in Church leadership.

A pressing legal issue facing Pope Leo XIV is the trial of Cardinal Angelo Becciu and the Vatican's "trial of the century," which is heading into the appeals phase in September. Another important case is that of the Rev. Marko Rupnik, a famous mosaic artist accused of sexual, psychological, and spiritual abuse. The Vatican has finally found external canon lawyers to hear the case.

Pope Leo XIV has identified artificial intelligence as a pressing issue and may be working on a document about it. He has also expressed a desire to heal liturgical divisions, particularly regarding the old Latin Mass. Cardinal Raymond Burke, a conservative figurehead, has spoken to the pope about the need to end the "persecution" of those who wish to worship according to the old rite.

Pope Leo XIV has reappointed all Vatican prefects until further notice. Vice President JD Vance has extended a visit invitation to the pope to the US, but the pope has not committed to a date.

The residents of Castel Gandolfo are eager for the pope to take up residence and enjoy the town's peaceful surroundings. Security enhancements and renovations to the facilities, including the Swiss Guard and Gendarmerie barracks, underline the seriousness with which the pope's stay and tasks will be handled.

In summary, during his Castel Gandolfo stay, Pope Leo XIV will focus on stabilizing Vatican finances, making important leadership appointments, and addressing ongoing issues surrounding clergy and church governance amid a backdrop of tradition and renewal.

During his six-week break at Castel Gandolfo, Pope Leo XIV intends to cultivate a serene environment for addressing the Vatican's financial woes, a structural deficit of approximately 50-60 million euros, and a 1 billion euro shortfall in the pension fund. The pope also plans to make critical leadership appointments, including choosing his successor as prefect of the office that vets bishop nominations and selecting his Vatican secretary of state. Apart from financial management and leadership changes, Pope Leo XIV will confront pressing legal issues such as the trial of Cardinal Angelo Becciu and the appeals phase in September, as well as the case of the Rev. Marko Rupnik, a renowned mosaic artist accused of abuses. Artificial intelligence is also recognised as a pressing issue by the pope, who may be drafting a document about it. In addition, the pope aims to bridge liturgical divisions, particularly concerning the old Latin Mass, and has discussed this issue with conservative figurehead, Cardinal Raymond Burke. The residents of Castel Gandolfo warmly anticipate the pope's visit, while security enhancements and renovations signify the gravity with which the pope's stay and responsibilities will be addressed.

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