Scenes on a mid-August day near the Vatican

In the weeks surrounding the Aug. 15 feast of the Assumption of Mary, Italians go on vacation. Especially in Rome, the coffee bars, restaurants and shops that are not closed for the whole month close for a week or two. Near the Vatican, a few places stay open to cater to the tourists. Gelato shops and the ever-flowing fountains are particularly popular.
All photos by Lola Gomez for Catholic News Service.

Visitors in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican cool off with a drink of water or in a tiny piece of shade Aug. 17, 2023. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez)

Boy cools off in fountain Using umbrellas for shade Pigeon in a fountain in St. Peter's Square A woman eats gelato near the Vatican

CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

With its Rome bureau founded in 1950, Catholic News Service has been providing complete, in-depth coverage of the popes and the Vatican for more than 70 years. CNS Rome continues to be your fair, faithful and informed connection to the Holy See.

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