Inside grand palace new Pope Leo XIV could live in with major change from Pope Francis

Pope Leo XIV expected to live at Vatican's Apostolic Palace

VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV is expected to live in the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace, unlike the late Pope Francis who shunned the palace in favor of a Vatican hotel, according to several Vatican officials. The papal apartments occupy the top floor of the palace, a 16th century building that overlooks St. Peter’s Square. They feature about 10 rooms, including a bedroom, private library and study, dining room, kitchen and chapel. Renovation works at…

Pope Leo XIV is likely to live in the Apostolic Palace, Vatican sources say.

Moving back in: Pope Leo expected to live at Vatican's Apostolic Palace

By Joshua McElwee and Philip Pullella

In one month Pope Leo XIV will return to the Apostolic Palace. The renovations are in full swing, because the papal residence was empty for twelve years, where he will live with his private secretary and nuns.

Pope Leo XIV expected to live in traditional papal apartment unused by Francis

The papal apartment, which is a series of rooms wrapping around the Vatican’s Sixtus V Courtyard, was the traditional home of pontiffs for over a century.

Pope Leo XIV Expected to Live in Traditional Papal Apartment Unused by Pope Francis

Vatican Media Pope Leo XIV walks in the corridor of the third loggia of the Apostolic Palace, where the papal apartment is located, on May 12, 2025, in Vatican City. The quarters in the Apostolic Palace include a chapel, bedroom and bathroom, papal study, office for the pope’s secretary, a living room, dining room, kitchen, and library for meetings.