CNA Staff, Sep 7, 2025 / 14:56 pm

Pope Leo XIV announced a historic partnership between the Vatican and two famous Chicago restaurateurs, Art Smith and Phil Stefani, to open a restaurant at , a 135-acre “zero environmental impact” complex in Castel Gandolfo, Italy.

Pope Leo XIV inaugurated the project during a live-streamed ceremony on Sept. 5, viewed at a Chicago watch party attended by Stefani, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, and other prominent figures.

The new restaurant will be located within the historic Papal Villas, a 17th-century summer residence for popes. The site promotes Pope Francis’ teachings on environmental stewardship.

At the inauguration of Borgo Laudato Si' village on Friday, the pope said it “is one of the Church’s initiatives aimed at realizing the ‘vocation to be

See Full Page