For the first time in over a decade, the traditional papal apartment in the Apostolic Palace is occupied once again.
On March 14, Pope Leo XIV officially moved into the historic quarters, marking a significant return to centuries-old Vatican ciry tradition.
The move comes roughly 10 months after his election, ending a temporary stay at the Palace of the Holy Office. This transition effectively ends the precedent set by Pope Francis, who famously opted to live in the more modest Casa Santa Marta during his entire pontificate.
Key Details Of The Move
The apartment had been vacant since Pope Benedict XVI stepped down in 2013. It recently underwent a meticulous, months-long renovation to prepare for Leo XIV.
The Pope is expected to be joined in the residence by his two secretaries, Monsignor Edgard Iván Rimaycuna Inga (Peru) and Father Marco Billeri (Italy).
The residence includes a private chapel for daily Mass, a dining room, and the famous private study, the window from which the Pope delivers the weekly Angelus.
A Return To Tradition
Pope Leo XIV is making a clear move toward reinstating classic papal customs and beyond the return to the Apostolic Palace, he has also revived the use of the summer residence at Castel Gandolfo.
After spending the summer of 2025 at Villa Barberini, the Holy Father has established a new routine, traveling to Castel Gandolfo nearly every week for short retreats from Monday evening through Tuesday.
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