Saint Robert Bellarmine Day in Vatican City
Saint Robert Bellarmine Day is observed in Vatican City on September 17, the saint’s feast day and the name day of Pope Leo XIV. The Vatican added the date to its internal holiday calendar after Leo’s election because his given name is Robert Francis.[1][2]
A Vatican holiday tied to the pope’s name
The Holy See’s news service reported that September 17 became an internal Vatican holiday beginning in 2025, after a communication to Vatican State employees. The day marks the name day of the reigning pope when his name corresponds to a saint remembered on that date.[1]
The observance is held on September 17 each year, the date the Church remembers Saint Robert Bellarmine. The date does not shift to a nearby weekday.[1][2]
Who was Saint Robert Bellarmine?
Bellarmine was born in Montepulciano in 1542 and joined the Society of Jesus in 1560. He studied at the Roman College, later teaching and preaching there, and taught in Florence, Mondovì and Leuven. His work The Controversies, published in 1586, addressed theological disputes of his time.[2]
He became a cardinal in 1599 and Archbishop of Capua in 1602. Bellarmine died in Rome on September 17, 1621. He was canonized in 1930 and proclaimed a Doctor of the Church in 1931, giving the pope’s name day its association with a Jesuit theologian and church leader.[2]
How the day is observed
The day connects the pope’s name day with the Church’s remembrance of Bellarmine. Check official Vatican announcements for details of any events.[1][2]
The observance is an internal Vatican holiday. Check with Roman shops, banks and transport providers for their arrangements.[1]
Visitor information
The Vatican Museums publish regular opening hours from Monday through Saturday and list Sunday and specified feast dates as closures. September 17 is not among the recurring closure dates on the page, but the weekday varies and the Museums may publish temporary changes. Check the official calendar for the date of your visit before making plans.[3]
Check opening arrangements for St. Peter’s Basilica and services outside the Vatican with the relevant venue or provider.[3]
Frequently asked questions
When is Saint Robert Bellarmine Day?
Is it a day off in Vatican City?
Vatican News describes September 17 as an internal Vatican holiday following a communication to Vatican State employees.[1]
Are the Vatican Museums open?
Their published schedule gives regular hours Monday through Saturday and lists specified closure dates. September 17 is not among the recurring closure dates shown, but check the official opening and closure calendar for the weekday and any temporary changes.[3]
Sources and references
Sources used for Saint Robert Bellarmine - Name day of the Holy Father in Vatican City:
- Vatikan richtet Feiertagskalender auf Papst Leo aus- Vatican News
- St. Robert Bellarmine, Cardinal, Bishop and Doctor of the Church - Information on the Saint of the Day- Vatican News
- Days & Hours of closure- Vatican Museums