The white smoke has long since cleared. We’re well into 2026, and the Catholic world has finally settled into the rhythm of a new pontificate. But even now, if you walk through St. Peter’s Square and point toward the massive block of buildings on the right, most tourists will tell you the Pope lives "up there."
They're partially right. Honestly, it's more complicated than a simple "yes" or "no."
Following the death of Pope Francis in April 2025 and the subsequent election of Pope Leo XIV (the former Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost), the question of the papal residence became a bit of a saga. You’ve probably heard about the "two popes" era or the way Francis famously shunned the grand apartments for a simple guesthouse.
Well, the new guy is doing things his own way.
Where does the new pope live right now?
As of early 2026, Pope Leo XIV officially lives in the Apostolic Palace, specifically in the renovated Papal Apartments on the third floor.
It’s a massive shift. For over a decade, the world got used to Pope Francis living in Suite 201 of the Domus Sanctae Marthae, a functional, hotel-like building near the back of the Vatican. Francis hated the isolation of the palace. He wanted to eat breakfast with regular priests and ride the elevator with visiting bishops.
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Leo XIV, however, decided to return to the tradition of his predecessors like Benedict XVI and John Paul II. But there’s a twist. He didn't want to live like a hermit in a gilded cage.
The roommate situation
If you think he’s up there alone with a butler, think again. Pope Leo XIV—who, by the way, is an Augustinian friar—brought the concept of "community life" with him. He reportedly shares the apartment with four close associates, including his personal secretary, Father Edgard Iván Rimaycuna Inga.
This is basically unheard of. In the past, the Papal Apartment was a strictly private zone. By turning it into a shared living space, Leo is trying to bridge the gap between the formal tradition of the palace and the communal vibe Francis championed at Santa Marta.
The long road back to the third floor
Moving back wasn't as simple as just unpacking a suitcase. Since the apartments hadn't been lived in since 2013, they were in rough shape. We're talking 13 years of dust, water infiltration, and humidity damage.
While the renovations were underway throughout 2025, the Pope was actually staying in the Sagrestia building near St. Peter’s Basilica. It was a temporary setup. It wasn't until the start of 2026 that the "maintenance" signs finally came down and the lights on the top floor of the palace stayed on through the night.
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- The Apostolic Palace: The official, historical residence.
- The Third Floor: Where the actual living quarters, kitchen, and private chapel are located.
- The Second Floor: Used for official audiences, meetings with world leaders, and the Pope’s private library.
What about the summer?
When the Rome heat gets unbearable—and it will—the Pope doesn't just suffer through it.
Historically, popes fled to Castel Gandolfo, a stunning estate in the Alban Hills overlooking Lake Albano. It’s technically part of the Vatican but sits about 15 miles outside of Rome.
Pope Francis famously stopped using it as a summer home, turning the palace into a museum and opening the gardens to the public. Leo XIV has flipped the script again. In July 2025, he officially "reoccupied" the estate, though he chose to stay in Villa Barberini on the grounds rather than the main museum-palace. He even had a tennis court installed.
He’s a huge tennis fan. Seriously.
Why this choice actually matters
Selecting a home isn't just about floor plans for a Pope. It’s a massive theological and political statement.
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By moving back to the Apostolic Palace, Leo XIV is signaling a return to the visibility and dignity of the office. When he stands at that famous window for the Angelus every Sunday, he’s not just "visiting" his office from a guesthouse—he’s home.
But by bringing roommates, he’s trying to kill the image of the Pope as a lonely monarch. It’s a middle ground. He’s acknowledging the history of the 1,000-room palace while refusing the "luxurious isolation" that Francis warned about.
Actionable insights for your next visit
If you're planning a trip to the Vatican in 2026 to see where the Pope lives, keep these details in mind to avoid the tourist traps:
- Look for the lights: On the top floor of the Apostolic Palace (to the right of the Basilica), the two windows on the far right are the Pope’s private study and bedroom. If they're lit at night, he's home.
- The Angelus is still the best bet: Even though he lives in the palace, he still appears at the window every Sunday at noon. You don't need a ticket for the square, but get there early.
- Visit Castel Gandolfo: Since the Pope now stays in Villa Barberini, the main Papal Palace museum remains mostly open to the public. You can literally walk through the rooms where popes lived for centuries while the current one is just a few hundred yards away playing tennis.
- Check the "Borgo Laudato Si": If you’re at Castel Gandolfo, check out the new eco-village the Pope inaugurated. It’s a great example of how he’s continuing the environmental work of his predecessor.
The "New Pope" is no longer a mystery. He's a Chicago-born Augustinian who likes community, tennis, and a bit of tradition—and he’s finally got his house in order.