Benedict XVI 'escapes' to Castel Gandolfo to pray to Our Lady, and listen to classical music

August 20, 2013.(Romereports.com) Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI traveled to Castel Gandolfo on Sunday, where he spent the afternoon strolling through the gardens of the villa where he spent the hot summer months in the past eight years.  

According to Italian news agency ANSA, Benedict XVI spent Sunday afternoon at Castel Gandolfo, joined by the 'memores domini,' the four consecrated women that have cared for him for several years. He used that time to pray the Rosary at the gardens, and even enjoyed a brief piano concert. The visit lasted approximately three hours, and then he returned to the Vatican.

Before the start of the summer, Pope Francis invited Benedict XVI to take refuge from the Roman heat at Castel Gandolfo, but the Pope emeritus declined, and opted instead to remain inside the Vatican.