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National Catholic Register

PHOTOS: Pope Leo XIV Takes Part in Historic Marian Procession on Lake Albano at Papal Summer House

Pope Leo XIV travels across Lake Albano, Castel Gandolfo, Aug. 29, 2026. Leo took part in a Marian procession on the lake, becoming the first pope to travel by boat across the waters there according to the Vatican.

The Holy Father was the first pope to travel across the waters of the lake in the 400-year-long history of Castel Gandolfo as a papal summer residence, according to the Vatican.

Faith Leaders, Justice Department Meet to Push for Stronger Protections for Houses of Worship

Faith leaders meet with Karen Schneier Dresbach, executive vice president of the Appeal of Conscience Foundation, and Harmeet Dhillon, assistant attorney general for civil rights at the U.S. Department of Justice, at a meeting Aug. 27, 2026, in Washington, D.C. The gathering focused on strengthening efforts to protect America’s houses of worship, safeguard religious freedom, and confront religious hatred.

‘No American should ever fear violence for simply practicing their faith,’ Harmeet Dhillon, assistant attorney general for civil rights for the Department of Justice, said.