Pope Leo XIV is set to move into the traditional papal apartment in the Apostolic Palace, marking a departure from the living arrangements chosen by his predecessor, Pope Francis. According to CNA, the top-floor apartment, which wraps around the Vatican’s Sixtus V Courtyard, had been the official papal residence for over a century before Pope Francis opted to live in a suite at the Casa Santa Marta guesthouse in 2013.
Pope Francis explained his decision as “a need to live my life with others,” describing the papal apartment as “old, tastefully decorated and large, but not luxurious,” CNA reported. The late pontiff’s choice was widely interpreted as a gesture of simplicity, but Pope Leo XIV’s expected move into the papal apartment is not being seen as a critique of Francis’ lifestyle.
Father James Martin, SJ, addressed the anticipated move, stating on X, “Leo’s move should not be taken as a sign either of a critique of Pope Francis (whom he has praised repeatedly and whose legacy he formally told the cardinals he wishes to continue) or as him not living ‘simply.’” Instead, Martin noted, the privacy and security of the Apostolic Palace make it a prudent choice for the new pope.
Since his election, Pope Leo XIV has continued to reside in his former apartment at the Palazzo Sant’Uffizio, where he lived as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops. However, the papal apartment in the Apostolic Palace is expected to undergo renovations and customizations before his move-in, according to CNA.
The Apostolic Palace, sometimes referred to as the Palace of Sixtus V, includes several rooms traditionally used by popes, such as a chapel, bedroom, bathroom, papal study, secretary’s office, living room, dining room, kitchen, and library. Since the pontificate of John Paul II, a medical suite outfitted with dental equipment has also been included.
The residence also features windows that overlook St. Peter’s Square, including the window where recent popes have appeared to pray the Angelus or Regina Caeli and deliver brief reflections. On May 11, Pope Leo XIV made his first appearance from the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica, leading the Regina Caeli.
CNA further noted that the Santa Marta guesthouse had posed significant security challenges since Pope Francis made it his official residence in 2013. A section of the second floor was closed to guests to accommodate the pontiff, and Francis continued to use meeting rooms in the Apostolic Palace throughout his papacy.
