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CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy (AP) — Pope Francis is welcoming the public to see the working farm at Castel Gandolfo, the papal summer residence south of Rome.
Pope Pius XI had the farm built between 1929 and 1934, and it still produces the dairy, meat and vegetables for the pope and his staff.
The Vatican is planning to open the farm to the public next year, after finding success with its guided tours of Castel Gandolfo's surrounding gardens. Francis has decided not to use the hilltop retreat, preferring to stay put in his suite at the Vatican hotel during vacations.
Soon, the public will be able to see the free-range hens, ostriches, turkeys, rabbits and 80 cows that feed Francis and his staff at the Santa Marta hotel.
Osvaldo Gianoli, who runs the papal villa, says the farm may even offer visitors a taste of the farm's products.
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188-c-19-(Daniela Berretta, AP correspondent)-"taste the products"-AP correspondent Daniela Berretta reports Pope Francis will soon open the doors to an earthly paradise, the working farm at the papal summer residence that produces food for the pope and his staff. (16 Dec 2014)
<<CUT *188 (12/16/14)££ 00:19 "taste the products"
190-c-14-(Daniela Berretta, AP correspondent)-"to the Vatican"-AP correspondent Daniela Berretta reports the farm providing much of the pope's fresh food will open as a tourist spot starting next year. (16 Dec 2014)
<<CUT *190 (12/16/14)££ 00:14 "to the Vatican"
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