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Pope Leo XIV becomes the first pope to travel across the waters of Lake Albano by boat.

Pope Leo XIV made history on August 29, 2026, by becoming the first pope to travel across the waters of Lake Albano during a boat procession. The event took place at the papal summer residence of Castel Gandolfo, which has served as a primary residence for the papacy since the early 17th century. Following Mass at the Church of Maria Santissima del Lago, Pope Leo XIV participated in a Marian procession accompanied by a statue of Our Lady of the Lake. The procession took place on the Lake Albano, a roughly 2-square-mile lake situated in a volcanic crater. This historic journey marked a significant milestone for the 400-year history of the papal summer residence. Pope Leo XIV also returned to Castel Gandolfo for a stay from July 6–22, prior to the historic boat procession.

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