Pope Leo Prepares to Celebrate Assumption at Castel Gandolfo

VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV will celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Saturday, 15 August, at Castel Gandolfo, according to the Holy See's official liturgical programme.

The Pope is scheduled to preside over Mass at 10:00 a.m. local time at the Pontifical Parish of Saint Thomas of Villanova.

The Assumption is one of the major Marian celebrations in the Catholic calendar and commemorates the Church's belief that Mary was taken into heavenly glory at the end of her earthly life.

Pope Leo returned to Castel Gandolfo this week and is expected to remain there until 18 August.

His 2026 celebration follows the Mass he presided over at the same parish for the feast last year.

During the 2025 celebration, Leo reflected on Mary's Magnificat and described it as a source of hope for the humble, hungry and faithful.

The celebration comes against the background of continuing wars, displacement, public-health emergencies and extreme-weather disasters in several parts of the world.

The Pope has repeatedly used recent public addresses to call for diplomacy, peace and practical solidarity with people affected by violence.

He has also recently placed the ethical use of technology and artificial intelligence at the centre of his forthcoming World Day of Peace 2027, calling for technology to serve peace while preserving human responsibility.

For many Christians, tomorrow's Assumption celebration will therefore combine traditional Marian devotion with the Church's wider message of hope amid international instability.

Source: Holy See Press Office liturgical programme.