Pope Leo XIV is reportedly planning to move into the attic of the Apostolic Palace instead of the traditional papal apartment. The attic space, previously used for assistants' quarters, has been converted into sober accommodations including a chapel, kitchen, and gym. Renovations were recently completed on the historic papal apartment due to issues like water leaks and outdated electrical wiring. The Holy See Press Office did not deny the report about the Pope's intended move but confirmed his office remains in the historic apartment.
about 1 month ago
Italian newspaper La Repubblica reports that Pope Leo XIV plans to move into the attic of the Apostolic Palace rather than the traditional third-floor papal apartment.1
Renovation work has been ongoing in the papal apartment due to water leaks, outdated wiring, and security upgrades.1
The attic, previously used as quarters for papal assistants since 1939, has been transformed into sober accommodations.1
It includes a small chapel, kitchen, "fairly large" gym, small cloister, and terrace—once featuring a Lourdes grotto replica and pool under John Paul II.1
Rooms are described as predominantly white, simply furnished with essentials, and barely visible from outside except for small windows.1
The Holy See Press Office did not deny the report but stated the Pope intends to use predecessors' spaces for living quarters and collaborators.1
It confirmed the Pope's office remains in the historic third-floor apartment, where he conducts daily activities and delivers the Sunday Angelus overlooking St. Peter's Square.1
Since his May 2025 election, Leo XIV has resided in the Palace of the Holy Office.1
Unlike Pope Francis, who stayed at Casa Santa Marta, the traditional apartment was expected to be renovated for Leo XIV.1
Rumors of an Augustinian community were refuted; he will live with secretaries Edgard Iván Rimaycuna and Marco Billeri, with external nuns handling housework.1
The move appears imminent, with furniture recently delivered and sources citing "a few weeks" or "days."1
Pope Leo XIV prefers attic quarters over traditional papal apartment
While reports circulate about Pope Leo XIV's preference for simpler "attic quarters" over the traditional papal apartment, the provided Catholic sources offer no direct confirmation or details on his personal living arrangements since his election in May 2025. Instead, they provide rich historical insight into the evolution of Vatican papal residences, their administration, and the symbolic weight of the Apostolic Palace, which underscores the Church's emphasis on stewardship rather than luxury. These documents from the Catholic Encyclopedia (1913) and papal norms illuminate why a pope might choose modesty, aligning with traditions of simplicity amid grandeur.
The Vatican Palace, contiguous to St. Peter's Basilica, has served as the papal residence since the return from Avignon in the late 14th century. Early popes like Symmachus (498-514) built modest residences adjacent to the basilica for practical accommodation near this key site. By the 13th century, under Eugene III, Alexander III, Innocent III, and especially Nicholas III, it expanded into a vast complex on Vatican Hill, including areas now known as the Cortile del Maresciallo and Cortile del Papagallo. These developments reflect not opulence for its own sake, but the need for administrative space amid growing Church governance. The palace's staircases—such as the Scala Regia by Bernini under Alexander VII, the Scala Pia by Pius IX, and the Scala Nobile—facilitate access to upper levels, including private papal suites. Higher floors, potentially akin to "attic" spaces, have historically housed officials like the maestro di camera or sub-prefect, suggesting adaptable upper quarters for seclusion or study.
The management of these spaces emphasizes order and separation of powers, reinforcing that the pope's quarters are sealed and protected during vacancies to safeguard the Holy See's temporal rights. Under Universi Dominici Gregis (1996), the Camerlengo ascertains the pope's death in the presence of key officials, seals the study and bedroom, and takes custody of the Apostolic Palace, Lateran, and Castel Gandolfo. The entire papal apartment is sealed post-burial, allowing prior residents temporary stay but prioritizing security. This protocol highlights the apartment's role as a symbol of Petrine continuity, not personal indulgence.
Subordinate roles like the Majordomo (Maggiordomo) and Master of the Sacred Palace oversee household operations, with apartments assigned accordingly. The Majordomo, once head steward, now enjoys a free official residence in the palace but lost some duties under Leo XIII (1891) and Pius X, when the Secretary of State became Prefect. He arranges religious functions and conclaves, maintaining "quiet and good order." Similarly, the Master of the Sacred Palace, a Dominican ranking high in processions, held apartments in the Quirinal (now Vatican), consulted by popes as theologian. These examples show upper palace levels used for both official and private papal retreats, echoing Pope John XXI's (1276-1277) custom-built Viterbo apartment for undisturbed study—which tragically collapsed. Such adaptations underscore a tradition of popes seeking simplicity for intellectual or spiritual focus amid administrative burdens.
Historical popes balanced grandeur with personal austerity. St. Leo I (the Great, d. 461) restored St. Peter's and focused on spiritual elevation through sermons emphasizing Roman primacy, without noted residential extravagance. Later figures like Benedict XVI, as Dean of Cardinals, presided over John Paul II's vacancy from Curia roles, not specifying quarters. Paul VI (1963-1978), amid Vatican II, prioritized evangelization and aid to refugees, dying at Castel Gandolfo—a secondary residence. These bios portray popes engaged in global duties, often using palaces functionally rather than luxuriously.
No sources address Pope Leo XIV's choices directly; recent documents quote him on social justice (e.g., equitable resource distribution echoing Leo XIII's Rerum Novarum) or pastoral addresses, but omit housing. Earlier encyclopedic entries predate his pontificate, focusing on 20th-century reforms.
A preference for "attic quarters" would align with Gospel calls to humility (Mt 8:20) and saints like Padre Pio, whose heroic virtues were recognized amid simplicity. Yet without sourced evidence, this remains unverified. The sources affirm the Vatican's dual role: majestic seat of authority and practical dwelling, administered to serve the Church's mission. Popes have long customized spaces for contemplation, as John XXI did, suggesting flexibility persists.
In summary, while the claim evokes appealing modesty, the available references provide no substantiation for Pope Leo XIV's preferences. They richly detail the Vatican Palace's history, protocols, and roles , offering context that any such choice would fit longstanding traditions of prudent stewardship. For definitive information, official Vatican announcements would be needed beyond these sources.