Vatican, Aug 2026 : Pope Leo XIV will make history on Saturday by becoming the first pope to take part by boat in the traditional procession for the Feast of Our Lady of the Lake at Castel Gandolfo, crossing part of Lake Albano in a ceremony that combines faith, local tradition and thanksgiving for the natural beauty surrounding the papal summer residence.
The historic event will take place as part of celebrations at the Church of Maria Santissima del Lago in Castel Gandolfo, a small church closely associated with the local community and the history of the papal presence in the town. The church was consecrated by Pope Saint Paul VI on August 15, 1977.
At 6 p.m. on Saturday, August 29, Pope Leo XIV will preside over Mass at the church. Following the religious service, he will join the traditional procession carrying the statue of Our Lady of the Lake. The procession will initially proceed along the road before reaching the shoreline of Lake Albano.
At the “Tropicana” beach resort, the statue will be transferred onto a boat provided by the Castelli Romani Regional Park Authority. Pope Leo XIV will then board the same vessel, which will travel across the lake toward the nearby “Giorgio’s Beach”, located at the foot of the Apostolic Palace in Castel Gandolfo.
The papal boat will not travel alone. In accordance with local tradition, approximately 10 civilian boats, including two canoes, will accompany the procession. Several vessels operated by law-enforcement agencies will also be present to provide security and assistance during the event.
The procession across the lake is expected to last around 25 minutes. It represents a significant departure from previous papal participation in the celebration. Both Pope Saint Paul VI and Pope Saint John Paul II took part in the procession in earlier years, but neither travelled on the section of the route that takes place on the water.
A cherished local tradition
The Feast of Our Lady of the Lake holds a special place in the religious and cultural life of Castel Gandolfo, although its origins date back only to the Marian Year of 1954.
The celebration was initiated by Father Dino Sella, who was parish priest at the time. His objective was to involve the people who worked around Lake Albano and to create a celebration that would bring together the local community and those whose lives were closely connected with the lake.
More than two decades later, the Church of Maria Santissima del Lago was constructed and became an important part of the annual festivities.
Father Adriano Gibellini, liturgical director and official responsible for pontifical celebrations in the Diocese of Albano, said during a presentation of the event on Friday that some faithful traditionally follow the procession by swimming. However, swimming will not be permitted this year because of safety concerns.
The decision to invite Pope Leo XIV to participate in the Mass was first proposed about a year ago, according to Castel Gandolfo Mayor Alberto De Angelis. The proposal came from Father Tadeusz Rozmus, parish priest of Saint Thomas of Villanova, following a desire expressed by members of the local community.
The initiative subsequently brought together the Castel Gandolfo municipal administration, the Diocese of Albano, law-enforcement authorities and several local organizations. The Castelli Romani Regional Park and the local tourism association have also contributed to preparations for the event.
Local officials and residents have expressed gratitude to the Pope for accepting the invitation and participating in a celebration that is deeply rooted in the town's identity. His presence is being viewed as a gesture of closeness to the people of Castel Gandolfo and an opportunity to place the small Lazio town in the international spotlight.
Celebration of creation
This year's celebration carries additional significance because it forms part of thanksgiving events marking 400 years of papal presence in Castel Gandolfo. The tradition began in 1626 under Pope Urban VIII, establishing the town as a summer destination for successive popes.
Father Rozmus said the Pope's participation gives the anniversary celebrations a deeper meaning. According to him, the lake and surrounding mountains provide a natural setting that invites reflection and gratitude for creation.
The parish priest also linked the symbolism of the lake to the identity of the Church itself. When Pope Saint Paul VI inaugurated the Church of Our Lady of the Lake, the intention was reportedly for the building to remain closely connected to its surroundings and to “breathe the lake”.
The imagery also recalls the traditional representation of the Church as the boat of Saint Peter. The procession on the water therefore carries both religious and symbolic significance, connecting the papacy, the Church and the natural landscape of Castel Gandolfo.
For local residents, the event is consequently more than a religious procession. It is an expression of community identity, faith and gratitude, while also highlighting the lake that has formed an important part of Castel Gandolfo's history for generations.
Angelus to follow on Sunday
The celebrations will continue on Sunday, August 30, when Father Rozmus will celebrate Mass at the Church of Our Lady of the Lake. The service will have a special focus on motorcyclists who travel through the Castelli Romani area during weekends.
A group of motorcyclists will subsequently participate in the Angelus prayer led by Pope Leo XIV.
Following Saturday evening's procession, Pope Leo XIV is expected to return to the Apostolic Palace in Castel Gandolfo. His participation in the lake procession, however, is likely to remain the defining moment of this year's feast.
By boarding the boat alongside the statue of Our Lady of the Lake and travelling across Lake Albano, Pope Leo XIV will add a new chapter to a tradition that has connected Castel Gandolfo, its residents and the papacy for decades.
