The name Apostolic "Palace" leads to many mistaken assumptions: one is that the pope lives like a king, which is not the case at all. In the huge bureaucratic apparatus and artistic treasures that occupy the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican, the small papal apartment is a modest home.
In the past few years, as the palace remained empty, it deteriorated to the point where it needed some updates to make it minimally comfortable. While Pope Francis preferred the suites at the modern hotel (built for conclaves and general guests) called Santa Marta House -- whose blocked floors, due to security measures, meant that a source of revenue for the Holy See remained unused -- Pope Leo XIV once again signals true modesty and quiet continuity with a much longer past.
The Holy See Press Office announced the move yesterday:
On Saturday afternoon, March 14, Pope Leo XIV will take possession of the apartment in the Apostolic Palace, as he moves, with some of his closest collaborators, into the rooms used by his predecessors. The news was confirmed by Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office.
We wish the Pope long years and healthy years in his new and old home! Ad multos annos!
