Since his election last March, Francis has defied pontifical custom and practice in many ways, ranging from his decision to live in the Vatican B & B, the Domus Santa Marta, through to his free and easy “walkabouts” during public papal audiences.
If
widespread Italian media speculation is to be believed, the latest
break with tradition by Francis could be a decision to stay in the
Vatican throughout the normally long and hot Roman summer, rather than
moving to the cooler climes of the pontifical summer residence at Castel
Gandolfo south of Rome.
Media speculation is that Francis may do so by
way of solidarity with those many Italians who cannot afford a summer
holiday.
Last week, national statistics agency Istat said one in two Italians had not been able to afford a holiday in 2012.
Asked about the issue, senior Vatican spokesman Fr Federico Lombardi
had no comment to make, suggesting on the contrary that the pope may
take a short break in July, prior to his departure to Brazil for the
World Youth celebratory week in Rio de Janeiro from July 22nd to July
28th.
Whatever about the Castelgandolfo
speculation, there was confirmation earlier this week about the
reasoning behind the pope’s decision not to move into the pontifical
apartment but rather to live in the Santa Marta residence.
In a letter dated May 15th to an old Argentine friend, Fr Enrique Rodriguez, a letter published this week by the Argentine daily, Clarin,
Pope Francis writes that he opted not to move into the Apostolic Palace
in order not to become “isolated” and to continue leading a “normal
life”.