August 15, Rome

Feast of the Assumption

On August 15, 2026, Pope Leo XIV will celebrate the Feast of the Assumption in Castel Gandolfo. This location has served as the traditional summer holiday of Popes for centuries. The Holy Father will join pilgrims and faithful in honoring St. Mary during a noontime Angelus in the Piazza della Libertà (public square). ([Vatican; Diocese of Albano])

The Feast of the Assumption was already being celebrated on August 15 by the fifth century, but didn’t make it to Rome until the middle of the seventh century. Centuries later, Pope Pius XII formally proclaimed the Assumption a dogma of the Catholic Church in 1950. ([Vatican News])

Rome has a long history and therefore it is no surprise that another celebration was already occurring in Rome on August 15 prior to the Assumption Feast Day. Ferragosto, an ancient Roman summer celebration has roots that reach back to 18 BC, when Octavian Augustus established the Feriae Augusti, a time of rest and celebration following the agricultural season.

Over the centuries, the celebration of summer rest became intertwined with the Christian celebration of St. Mary’s Assumption. Today, Ferragosto remains one of Italy’s great summer holidays. This is not only the day of St. Mary’s Assumption but also a day for friends and family. This is Italy, so the table is an important part of the celebration. The traditional August 15 meal includes fettuccine with chicken livers, Roman-style chicken with sweet peppers, and watermelon, which is in season at this time of year and readily available at roadside stands. [LiveinItalyMag])

There is also a long history of public devotion. In medieval and Renaissance Rome, the Assumption was marked by a torch light procession with the Acheropita (meaning “not made by human hands”) image of the Savior from the Sancta Sanctorum. (This image is currently placed at the top of stairway within the Pontifical Sanctuary of the Holy Stairs). While, at the Pantheon, an image of St. Mary was once raised upward, toward the great oculus until it disappeared from sight—a striking representation of her Assumption into heaven. ([Turismo Roma])

Perhaps what makes August 15 so beautiful is the way these traditions hold both celebration and prayer together: the ancient rhythm of rest, the gathering of family and friends around a table, the joy of summer, and the Church’s profound hope in St. Mary’s journey to heaven.

On this day, we offer up prayers to St. Mary for those who need hope, comfort, healing, or simply the assurance that they are not alone. In Rome, Ferragosto is an additional invitation to rest and give thanks. Everywhere on August 15, we mark with gratitude the sign offered by this day as hope of our own resurrection and we lift our hearts toward heaven.

Hail, holy Queen enthroned above, O Maria!
Hail Queen of Mercy and of love, O Maria!
Triumph, all ye cherubim, Sing with us ye seraphim!
Heav’n and earth resound the hymn: Salve, salve, salve, Regina.
Our life, our sweetness here below, O Maria!
Our hope in sorrow and in woe, O Maria!