On Friday, May 8, Pope Leon XIV celebrates his first anniversary as pontiff. At 70 years old, the sovereign pontiff maintains an Olympic form, notably thanks to a sport that he practices with passion in his summer residence of Castel Gandolfo.
It is a symbolic first anniversary for the Holy See. Elected on Friday, May 8, 2025, in the fourth round of the conclave vote, Robert Francis Prevost celebrates today one year of reign under the name of Leon XIV. Succeeding Pope Francis, this American-born pontiff has imposed his style, between assertive diplomacy and rigorous lifestyle. To maintain his inner peace dear to the Augustinians, his original order, the Bishopric of Rome takes an unexpected sports break every Tuesday in the summer residence of Castel Gandolfo, as revealed by Le Parisien. On his days off: swimming sessions, but mainly intense tennis games.
This practice of tennis brings a breath of fresh air 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 collected by our colleagues at Le Parisien, this routine has become essential for the 70-year-old pope. He takes advantage of the calm 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 papers. 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 rupture in his lifestyle at the Vatican. Unlike his predecessor Pope Francis who had chosen the modest hotel residence of Saint Martha, the new pope decided to reinvest the Apostolic Palace. As reported by our colleagues at Le Figaro, he officially moved into the historic pontifical apartments last March, after significant technical renovations. By reconnecting with these ten-room apartments occupied by popes since 1870, Leon XIV signs a true “return to normal” institutionally. Between sports and spacious residence, the sovereign pontiff seems to have found the perfect balance to carry out his mission.
[Context: Pope Leon XIV is celebrating his first anniversary as pontiff and has developed a passion for sports, particularly tennis, during his time in office.] [Fact check: The information in the article about Pope Leon XIV is accurate and based on public sources.]
