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Pope Leo XIV moves into renovated Vatican apartment previously unused during Francis papacy

  • Writer: The First Lady of Journalism
    The First Lady of Journalism
  • Mar 14
  • 2 min read


Pope Leo XIV has moved into the traditional papal apartment inside the Apostolic Palace following a renovation, marking the first time the residence has been used in more than a decade. The apartment had remained unused during the papacy of Pope Francis, who chose to live elsewhere in the Vatican. (AP News)

The move was confirmed by the Vatican on Saturday and comes as Leo’s pontificate approaches its first anniversary. The apartment is located on the third floor of the Apostolic Palace and overlooks St. Peter's Square. (AP News)

Why the apartment had been unused

During his 12 year papacy, Pope Francis declined to live in the Apostolic Palace apartment and instead chose the simpler Vatican guesthouse known as Domus Sanctae Marthae. (Wikipedia)

Francis said he preferred living among other clergy rather than alone in the larger papal residence. The decision reflected his preference for a simpler lifestyle and meant the apartment remained unused for more than a decade. (MyMotherLode)

Renovations and move

After Leo was elected pope in May 2025, he initially continued living in a smaller Vatican apartment located in the Palazzo del Sant’Uffizio, which houses the Holy See’s doctrinal office. (MyMotherLode)

Over the next ten months, Vatican workers renovated the papal apartment in the Apostolic Palace. The work included updating plumbing, electrical systems, and other utilities that had aged during the years it remained unused. (MyMotherLode)

Following the renovation, Leo moved into the residence with several close aides who assist with the daily operations of the papacy. (AP News)

A shift in papal style

Leo, the first American pope in the history of the Catholic Church, has signaled a willingness to use some traditional elements of the papacy, including the historic residence. (AP News)

Observers say the move may reflect a different governing style compared with Francis, though both popes have maintained continuity in many church policies. (AP News)


Verified facts

  • Pope Leo XIV moved into the papal apartment in the Apostolic Palace after renovations. (AP News)

  • The apartment had not been used during the papacy of Pope Francis. (AP News)

  • Renovations were carried out for roughly ten months to update utilities and infrastructure. (MyMotherLode)

  • The residence overlooks St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City. (AP News)

Context and interpretation

  • Francis chose to live in the Vatican guesthouse instead of the traditional apartment because he preferred a communal environment. (Wikipedia)

  • Leo’s decision to move into the Apostolic Palace is viewed by some observers as a return to traditional papal practices. (AP News)

Sources


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