Pope Leo XIV has officially moved into the newly refurbished papal apartment in the Apostolic Palace, taking up residence in the flat famously shunned by his predecessor, Pope Francis.
The Vatican confirmed that Leo will share the third-floor apartment, which offers views of St. Peter’s Square, with his closest aides.
Since his election last May, Leo had opted to remain in his more modest flat within the Vatican’s Palazzo del Sant’Uffizio, a building housing the Holy See doctrine office.
The move follows a 10-month period of extensive renovations to the Apostolic Palace apartment.
It had remained vacant throughout Francis’ 12-year papacy, requiring significant upgrades to its electrical, plumbing, and other essential utilities.
A crane was spotted on site in recent months as the completion date approached.
Pope Francis famously chose not to inhabit the grand residence, stating a preference for being surrounded by others.
He instead resided in the Vatican’s Santa Marta residence, an institutional hotel typically used by visiting priests and cardinals during conclaves.
Francis’ choice was in keeping with his simple taste and disdain for the pomp of the papacy. But the practical effect also meant that the entire second floor of the hotel was turned over to the pope, reducing its capacity for paying guests.
Leo has made clear he is more comfortable using the traditional garb and accoutrements of the papacy.
His decision to move into the Apostolic Palace has been praised in particular by conservative commentators who see it as a sign of respect for the papacy.
Leo had actually taken formal possession of the residence in the days after his election, walking through the reception rooms and the small chapel reserved for his personal use.
It had been sealed as called for by papal protocol, with a red ribbon and wax, after Francis died on 21 April 2025, even though he had died in his hotel room.
