Reports Say Pope Will Open His Farm

Cindy Zimmerman

castel2There’s a bunch of news stories on the web that Pope Francis will be opening up the papal farm at Castel Gandolfo to the public for tours next year, although I can’t seem to find any official word from the Vatican on its website or on the Catholic News Service. Since the original story is from the Associated Press, take it for what that’s worth.

It is true that the pope does have a 55 acre farm at the summer residence of Castel Gandolfo that dates back to the early 1930s. The farm includes cows, chickens, bee hives, ostriches, turkeys, rabbits, vegetables and more. The farm reportedly produces 185 gallons of milk a day, 50,000 eggs a year, honey, olive oil and vegetables.

The AP story does note that plans to open the farm to the public “aren’t final yet” but I have to say that I would love to pay a visit if and when it happens!

Farming, International