Pope Leon XIV celebrates the first anniversary of his pontificate
On Friday, May 8, Pope Leon XIV celebrates his first anniversary of his pontificate. At 70 years old, the pontiff maintains an Olympic form, particularly thanks to a sport he passionately practices at his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo.
It is a symbolic first anniversary for the Holy See. Elected on Friday, May 8, 2025, on the fourth ballot of the conclave, Robert Francis Prevost celebrates today one year of reign under the name of Leon XIV. Succeeding Pope Francis, this pontiff of American origin has imposed his style, between assertive diplomacy and rigorous lifestyle. To maintain the inner peace dear to the Augustinians, his original order, the Bishop of Rome takes an unexpected sports break every Tuesday at the summer residence of Castel Gandolfo, as revealed by Le Parisien. On his days off: swimming sessions, but especially intense tennis games.
This tennis practice brings a breath of freshness to the Vatican. After twelve years of a pontificate marked by his predecessor, Leon XIV favors a discipline that requires endurance and concentration. According to confidences gathered by our colleagues from Le Parisien, this routine has become essential for the 70-year-old pope. He takes advantage of the tranquility of the gardens of the pontifical residence, located about thirty kilometers from Rome, to exchange a few yellow balls and swim away from his official duties. A dynamism that is reminiscent of the energy of a certain John Paul II (1978-2005), also a great sports enthusiast.
How does Pope Leon XIV live?
If Leon XIV surprises on the courts, he also marks a break in his lifestyle at the Vatican. Unlike his predecessor Pope Francis who chose the modest hotel residence Santa Marta, the new pope decided to reinvest in the Apostolic Palace. As reported by our colleagues from Le Figaro, he officially moved into the historic pontifical apartments last March after major technical renovation works. By returning to these ten-room apartments occupied by popes since 1870, Leon XIV signs a true institutional “return to normal”. Between sport and spacious residence, the pontiff seems to have found the perfect balance to carry out his mission.
Article written in collaboration with 6Medias.
