STORY: Crowds on Sunday (July 13) flocked to Castel Gandolfo to listen to Pope Leo XIV's traditional weekly prayer, as he was spending a two-week holiday in the lakeside town on the outskirts of Rome.

People coming from all over Italy and beyond gathered in the central Liberty Square, right outside the Apostolic Palace, while some residents attended the event from their balconies overlooking the place.

In his address following the Angelus prayer, the pontiff asked the faithful to "pray for peace and for all those who, due to violence and war, are in a state of suffering and need."

By choosing to stay in Castel Gandolfo during his summer break, Leo revived a centuries-old tradition that had been interrupted by his predecessor, the late Pope Francis.

A new religious celebration will be held on July 20, the final day of the pontiff's trip. He may also return to the lakeshore for at least one weekend in August.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

SHOWS: CASTEL GANDOLFO, ITALY (JULY 13, 2025) (VATICAN MEDIA - Access all)

1. VATICAN FLAG WAVING ON FACADE OF APOSTOLIC PALACE

2. PEOPLE GATHERING IN LIBERTY SQUARE

3. PEOPLE STANDING ON BALCONIES

4. PEOPLE WAVING IN SQUARE

5. POPE LEO WALKING OUT OF APOSTOLIC PALACE

6. PEOPLE IN SQUARE APPLAUDING POPE

7. (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE LEO SAYING:

"Dear brothers and sisters, I am happy to be here among you in Castel Gandolfo."

8. PEOPLE IN SQUARE RAISING CARDBOARDS

9. (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE LEO SAYING:

"Let's not forget to pray for peace and for all those who, due to violence and war, are in a state of suffering and need. I wish you all a good Sunday."

10. PEOPLE IN SQUARE APPLAUDING POPE

11. POPE GREETING CLERGY MEMBERS

12. PEOPLE IN SQUARE, INCLUDING CHILD

13. POPE GREETING POLICE OFFICERS AND CHILD

14. POPE WAVING TO CROWDS IN SQUARE