ROME (AP) — Pope Leo XIV has begun his summer vacation, marking the conclusion of an eventful first half of 2026. During this period, Leo has emerged as a formidable global leader, addressing significant issues ranging from artificial intelligence to conflict and demonstrating effective governance within the Catholic Church. He is currently enjoying his vacation at the papal retreat at Castel Gandolfo, the historical summer residence located south of Rome.

Leo's vacation will continue until July 27, with all scheduled audiences suspended. He has opted to stay in the Apostolic Palace, which overlooks Lake Alban, rather than at the smaller villa on the estate where he has spent his days off previously. Upon his arrival, he greeted local residents from the palace balcony, expressing his pleasure at being there and mentioning his upcoming plans for rest, prayer, reading, and sports.

In contrast to his predecessor, Pope Francis, who largely avoided using the Castel Gandolfo estate during his pontificate, Leo has chosen to stay there for extended periods. The decision to move to the Apostolic Palace was made by the Vatican for security reasons and to allow for ongoing operations of the Holy See from this location.

Reflecting on his initial months as pope, Leo has shifted from a focus on internal church governance to taking decisive actions on the world stage. Initially perceived as someone who might stick to internal reforms, his governing style has surprised observers, showcasing his ability to set the agenda rather than merely respond to his predecessor's initiatives. According to biographer Austen Ivereigh, many expected Leo to have a quiet papacy, but now his role as an international statesman has taken center stage.

In a notable engagement on July 4, Leo commemorated the 250th anniversary of U.S. Independence by visiting the Sicilian island of Lampedusa. During this visit, he honored the memory of thousands of migrants who have died attempting to reach Europe. This visit followed a similar gesture in Spain, where he emphasized the importance of upholding the dignity of migrants in the face of ongoing crises. For Leo, who has previously clashed with the Trump administration over immigration policy, spending Independence Day in Lampedusa highlighted the U.S.’s immigrant roots and Christian obligations to welcome those seeking asylum.

Amid these humanitarian appeals, Leo has also taken a firm stance on global issues. He recently criticized the U.S.-Israel war in Iran and has emerged as a significant voice for peace and anti-war sentiments. His January address to the Holy See diplomatic corps raised alarms within the Trump administration, marking his transition to a prominent global conscience figure. This rising prominence was further solidified by his first encyclical, “Magnifica Humanitas”, released in late May, which called for stringent regulations on artificial intelligence—particularly concerning its implications for warfare.

The encyclical represents more than just a call for ethical AI practices; it also includes a significant apology from the papacy for historical roles in facilitating slavery. Leo's acknowledgment of the Church’s past wrongs has prompted discussions surrounding reparations for descendants of enslaved people, a bold move for a pope addressing such sensitive issues.

Additionally, Leo recently presided over a momentous decision that designated a traditionalist group, the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX), as formally in schism with the Catholic Church, emphasizing the importance of ecclesiastical authority. This decisive action, which followed decades of attempts to reconcile the SSPX with the Vatican, has effectively brought clarity and discipline to church governance, reinforcing the pope’s central role as a unifying figure for Catholics worldwide.

Experts have noted that Leo balances his compassionate approach with the ability to impose necessary penalties on those who stray from church unity. With clear governance and an emphasis on dialogue, the pope is carving a distinct path during his papacy, marked by both courage and clarity.