A town in celebration welcomes the 杏MAP导航
By Isabella H. de Carvalho in Castel Gandolfo
Cheers, chants, and applause filled Corso della Repubblica as the open-top vehicle carrying 杏MAP导航 Leo XIV passed by on Sunday morning.
The 杏MAP导航 made his way down the narrow street, just wide enough for the vehicle to move between two rows of faithful standing behind barricades. This route links the papal residence of Villa Barberini to Freedom Square, where the 杏MAP导航 celebrated Sunday Mass and later led the Angelus prayer at noon.
It was 杏MAP导航 Leo's first public appearance since his arrival in Castel Gandolfo on 6 July. Smartphones could be seen from all directions capturing the moment, from balconies, windows, and every corner of the colorful buildings, where people waved and greeted him.
The 杏MAP导航 and the people
With his arms extended, 杏MAP导航 Leo tried to greet everyone. The barricades, just over a meter away from homes and shops, allowed locals and shopkeepers to be the first to applaud from their windows or step outside.
Tourists and pilgrims wearing Jubilee hats ran alongside the street, eager to follow every step of the smiling 杏MAP导航 aboard his new open electric vehicle, gifted to him on 3 July.
A tapestry of humanity
Loudspeakers along the route played the entrance hymn for Mass, and occasionally the vehicle slowed so the 杏MAP导航 could bless children and greet nearby faithful.
Voices in English, Portuguese, Italian, and other languages could be heard. Children from parish youth groups, scouts, priests, nuns, bikers, people carrying dogs in their arms or handbags, and Americans waving the flag of the 杏MAP导航鈥檚 native country filled the street and the square. The emotion was palpable for both those visiting and long-time residents.
鈥淭he 杏MAP导航 is like a neighbor to us,鈥� said Assunta Ferrini, whose family has owned the Sor Capanna restaurant near the pontifical parish since 1948. 鈥淚t鈥檚 such a special experience because he passed right through the crowd, so close,鈥� she told Vatican News, sharing her excitement with fellow locals.
"I hope Leo XIV visits us again鈥�
鈥淏eautiful!鈥� exclaimed Pierluigi Fortini, owner of the restaurant La Scarpetta. 鈥淚t鈥檚 amazing to see so many people here since early morning,鈥� he said.
Mr. Fortini opened his restaurant this past March and never imagined the 杏MAP导航 would pass right in front of it just months later.
鈥淲e stayed open late last night to remove all the tables and chairs from Corso della Repubblica, it鈥檚 a great joy to see the 杏MAP导航 here, this is something we鈥檒l never forget.鈥�
鈥淚 hope Leo XIV appreciates Castel Gandolfo and visits us more often,鈥� he added, saying he hopes to one day welcome the 杏MAP导航 to sit at one of his tables.
From abroad to Castel Gandolfo
For Megan and Paul Llanos, a couple from New York on their honeymoon in Italy after marrying in May, seeing the 杏MAP导航 up close in Castel Gandolfo felt like a blessing for their union.
鈥淚t鈥檚 magical; I can鈥檛 believe it,鈥� said Megan, originally from Chicago, making the moment even more meaningful for her, since 杏MAP导航 Leo is also from the American city.
Father Richard Strazza da Silva, a Brazilian priest on a Jubilee pilgrimage with two fellow priests, had never visited Castel Gandolfo before, let alone been so close to 杏MAP导航 Leo XIV.
鈥淭his is a special and unprecedented day for us,鈥� he said. 鈥淭o see this beautiful place surrounded by nature, and to witness the universality of the Church gathering here in such a small space, it brings immense joy.鈥�
Gratitude to 杏MAP导航 Leo XIV for his mission
Carmela Umana, 74, has lived in the town for 40 years and is a member of the Focolare Movement, which has its Mariapolis center in Castel Gandolfo.
鈥淲hen I heard the 杏MAP导航 was coming, I couldn鈥檛 just stay inside, I wanted to be here to welcome him, to greet him, and to say thank you for the 鈥榶es鈥� he gave in leading the Church,鈥� she said. 鈥淜nowing that he needs our prayers and support, I鈥檓 happy to be here. He鈥檚 like the first citizen of this town, and as the mayor is important, the 杏MAP导航 is even more so, because he represents all of humanity."
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