The white smoke has long since cleared, but the questions haven't stopped. Since his election on May 8, 2025, Pope Leo XIV—born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago—has been a bit of a whirlwind. He's the first American to sit in the Chair of Peter. That alone is a lot to digest. But for those of us obsessed with the "how" of the papacy, one question keeps popping up in Rome: where exactly is the man staying?
For over a decade, we got used to the "hotel life" of Pope Francis. He famously ditched the ornate isolation of the Apostolic Palace for the more communal vibes of the Domus Sanctae Marthae. It felt permanent. It felt like the new normal. But things have changed.
Back to the Palace: The Official Move
Pope Leo XIV has officially decided to live in the Apostolic Palace.
Honestly, it surprised some people. After twelve years of the lights being out in the top-floor papal apartments, the shutters are open again. Leo XIV announced shortly after his election that he would return to the traditional residence that popes have used since the 17th century. It isn't just about liking big rooms or Renaissance art. It’s a statement about the "sacred space" of the papacy and, quite frankly, a return to the administrative heart of the Vatican.
The apartments are located on the third floor of the palace, overlooking St. Peter's Square. You know that window where the Pope appears for the Angelus on Sundays? Yeah, that’s his office.
What's actually inside the Papal Apartments?
If you're picturing a gold-plated penthouse, you’re kinda off. While the palace itself is a museum of priceless history, the actual living quarters are relatively modest by royal standards. They were renovated for him, of course—every new Pope gets a "freshening up" of the space to match their needs—but the layout is pretty functional.
- The Studio: This is the private office. It’s where the real work happens, away from the grand reception halls.
- The Bedroom: A simple room in the corner of the building.
- The Chapel: A private place for prayer, which is essential for any pontiff.
- Medical Suite: Because when you’re 70 and the leader of 1.3 billion people, you need a doctor and dental equipment within walking distance.
- Staff Quarters: For the household staff who keep the gears turning.
He’s not alone up there, though. There are plenty of secretaries and assistants nearby. But it is definitely a more secluded life than what Francis had at Santa Marta, where the Pope would regularly bump into visiting priests at breakfast.
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Why the Apostolic Palace and Not Santa Marta?
Leo XIV is an Augustinian. If you know anything about the Order of St. Augustine, they are big on community, but they are also deeply rooted in the history and "ordered" life of the Church. By moving back to the palace, Leo is signaling a shift toward a more traditional, perhaps more structured, way of governing.
Some Vatican insiders suggest that living in the palace makes the "job" easier. Everything is right there. You don't have to walk across the Vatican gardens every time you have a high-level diplomatic meeting or a consistory. Since 2026 is shaping up to be a massive year for his diplomacy—he's already been meeting with EU and Ukrainian ambassadors—being in the administrative hub makes sense.
Plus, there’s the symbolism. Living in the palace connects him to the "Leos" of the past. He specifically mentioned being inspired by Pope Leo XIII, the guy who basically invented modern Catholic social teaching. Moving back into the historic seat of power is a visual cue that he’s here to engage with the world's structures, not just the "fringes."
Summer Plans: Castel Gandolfo?
Now, this is where it gets interesting. For years, the Papal Palace at Castel Gandolfo—the gorgeous villa in the hills outside Rome—has been a museum. Pope Francis didn't use it as a summer home; he opened it to the public.
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Will Leo XIV take it back?
Current indications are that he appreciates the history but isn't quite ready to kick the tourists out of the bedroom just yet. However, the Lateran Treaty still gives that property extraterritorial status. It is still his. While he’s focused on the 2026 Franciscan Jubilee and his upcoming encyclical on AI, he hasn't spent much time talking about vacation homes. But don't be surprised if he eventually seeks a bit of that Alban Hills air when the Roman heat hits 40°C in July.
The Reality of Living in a Fortress
Living in the Vatican isn't exactly like living in a Chicago suburb. It’s a 109-acre walled city. Leo XIV is protected 24/7 by the Swiss Guard and the Vatican Gendarmerie. Even though he’s known as a "people person" who loves tennis, his spontaneity is now severely limited by security protocols.
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He can’t exactly just walk out for a deep-dish pizza.
Moving Forward: What to Watch
If you're following the Leonine papacy, keep an eye on how he uses the space. The way a Pope lives usually reflects how he rules. Francis lived "among the people" at the guesthouse, and his rule was informal and pastoral. Leo XIV’s move to the palace suggests a Pope who wants to bring a sense of order, dignity, and historical continuity back to the office.
Next Steps for You:
If you want to see the residence for yourself, you can actually book tours of parts of the Apostolic Palace, including the Raphael Rooms and the Sistine Chapel. You won't get into his bedroom, but you’ll be in the same building. Also, keep an eye on the Sunday Angelus; if the shutters are open at that top-right window, the American Pope is home.