Vatican Museums
Director Antonio Paolucci on Friday said that Pope Francis's
decision to open the pontifical villas of Castel Gandolfo to the
public is a "sign of the times" and a clear reflection of his
papal politics.
Paolucci said Pope Francis met with him to request the
initiative, which will bring the first tourists by train on
Saturday.
"The Pope told me, 'I don't go to Castel Gandolfo because I
have too much to do in Rome, but I don't want these riches, this
beauty, to be closed. Make plans to open them," Paolucci said,
adding that Pope Francis is "informed on everything" including
Friday's inaugural journey by steam train and Saturday's opening
to the public.
Paolucci said Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI may continue to
use Castel Gandolfo for summer holidays, but the areas open to
tourists are far from Benedict's living quarters, so the tourist
visits "won't interfere at all" with Benedict's holidays.
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