New Pope Leo XIV Settles Into Vatican’s Traditional Papal Residence

Pope Leo XIV has officially moved into the Vatican's traditional papal apartment after extensive renovations. The residence had been unused for 12 years during Pope Francis' papacy, who preferred simpler accommodations.

ROME — Pope Leo XIV officially settled into the Vatican’s traditional papal residence on Saturday following months of extensive renovations to the historic apartment that his predecessor avoided using.

Vatican officials confirmed that Leo XIV now occupies the third-floor apartment within the Apostolic Palace, which provides views of St. Peter’s Square. His senior staff members will also reside in the residence alongside him.

Since his election in May, Leo had remained in his modest quarters at the Palazzo del Sant’Uffizio, which serves as headquarters for the Holy See’s doctrine office and includes several private living spaces for Vatican leadership.

The papal apartment required significant upgrades during the past 10 months, as it had remained vacant throughout Francis’ dozen years as pope. Workers updated electrical systems, plumbing, and other essential infrastructure that had fallen into disrepair. Construction crews with cranes were visible at the site in recent weeks as the project neared completion.

Francis deliberately avoided the traditional papal residence, explaining that he preferred being around other people. He chose instead to live at Santa Marta, the Vatican’s guest hotel where visiting clergy stay and cardinals gather during papal elections.

This housing choice reflected Francis’ preference for simplicity and his rejection of papal grandeur. However, the arrangement also required dedicating the hotel’s entire second level to the pope, which reduced space available for other guests.

Leo XIV has demonstrated greater comfort with traditional papal customs and ceremonial elements. Conservative observers have particularly welcomed his decision to occupy the Apostolic Palace, viewing it as showing proper reverence for the papal office.

The new pope had formally claimed the residence shortly after his election, touring the reception areas and private chapel designated for papal use. Following protocol, the apartment had been officially sealed with red ribbon and wax after Francis passed away on April 21, despite the former pope having died in his hotel quarters.