Pope Leo XIV Returns to Historic Papal Apartment in Apostolic Palace

Pope Leo XIV has officially relocated to the newly renovated papal apartment within the Apostolic Palace, approximately ten months after his election.

This move marks a significant return to the historic residence for the papacy, as his predecessor, Pope Francis, had chosen not to occupy the apartment during his 12-year tenure.

The Vatican confirmed that Pope Leo XIV's close collaborators would join him in the apartment.

Relocation Details Confirmed

Pope Leo XIV moved into the Vatican's Apostolic Palace apartments on a Saturday in March 2026. This relocation occurred approximately ten months after his election on May 8, 2025. The move was officially confirmed by Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office.

Prior to this relocation, Pope Leo XIV, who is the first U.S. Pope, had resided in a smaller apartment within the Vatican’s Palazzo del Sant’Uffizio. This was a residence he also used during his time as a cardinal and as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops.

He formally took possession of the residence shortly after his election, touring the reception rooms and the private chapel. The apartment had been sealed with a red ribbon and wax on April 21, 2025, following the death of Pope Francis. Pope Leo XIV personally removed these seals on May 11, 2025.

The Papal Apartment: A Historic Residence

The papal apartment is located on the third floor, specifically within the Third Loggia, of the Apostolic Palace. It offers stunning views of St. Peter's Square and comprises various essential rooms. These include bedrooms, a private chapel, a vestibule, a library, an office, a dining room, and a private study.

From a window in this study, the Pope traditionally appears for the Sunday Angelus prayer.

The Apostolic Palace itself is a significant and sprawling complex. It also houses the Sistine Chapel, the Apostolic Library, and offices for the Secretary of State, functioning as the primary administrative center for the Holy See. Historical records indicate that Saint Pius X, who served as Pope from 1903 to 1914, was the first Pontiff to reside in these specific rooms within the Third Loggia.

Extensive Renovations Preceded Move

The apartment had remained unoccupied throughout Pope Francis's 12-year papacy and required extensive renovation before Pope Leo XIV's move. Over approximately ten months, the Vatican conducted significant updates to the apartment's electrical, plumbing, and other utility systems. A crane was observed working on the site in the months leading up to the move, underscoring the scale of the work undertaken.

Pope Francis's Choice: Santa Marta

Pope Francis, elected in 2013, famously opted not to reside in the traditional papal apartment. He instead lived in the Vatican’s Santa Marta residence, a hotel-style accommodation primarily used by visiting priests and cardinals during conclaves.

Pope Francis stated a preference to be surrounded by other people. During his papacy, the second floor of the Santa Marta residence was allocated for his exclusive use.

Revival of Castel Gandolfo Summer Residence

In addition to his move to the Apostolic Palace, Pope Leo XIV has also resumed the use of the papal summer residence at Castel Gandolfo, located outside Rome. This residence had not been utilized by Pope Francis.

Pope Leo XIV reportedly spends most Tuesdays at Castel Gandolfo, engaging in work as well as activities such as tennis and swimming, marking a return to traditional papal practices for this secondary residence.