So, the dust has finally settled on the 2025 Jubilee, and if you’ve been following the Vatican’s revolving door lately, you know things are looking a bit different. After the years of Pope Francis famously shunning the fancy Apostolic Palace for a simple room in the Santa Marta guesthouse, everyone’s asking: where will Pope Leo XIV live?
Honestly, the answer isn’t just a simple address change. It’s kinda a big deal for the Church's image.
The short version? He’s moving back. But before you think we’re going back to the days of "Renaissance prince" vibes, there’s a massive twist. Pope Leo XIV isn't moving into the third-floor apartments alone. He’s basically getting housemates.
The Move Back to the Apostolic Palace
For about twelve years, the official papal apartments in the Apostolic Palace were essentially a ghost town. Francis used the study to pray the Angelus on Sundays, but the actual living quarters were sealed off. They were dusty, out-of-date, and apparently suffered some pretty nasty water damage over the years.
Once Pope Leo was elected in May 2025, the Vatican maintenance crews—the Sampietrini—went into overdrive. We’re talking months of structural repairs, fixing detached cornices, and refreshing the medical suite.
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By January 2026, the renovations were finally wrapping up. Leo spent the early part of his papacy staying in the Sagrestia building while the workers hammered away, but the plan is now set in stone. He is officially re-occupying the 10-room suite overlooking St. Peter’s Square.
Why the "Housemate" Situation Matters
Here is where it gets interesting. Pope Leo XIV is an Augustinian. If you know anything about the Augustinians, they are all about community. They don't really do the "lone wolf" thing.
During his time as Cardinal Robert Prevost (before the conclave), he used to slip away to the Augustinian motherhouse just to have lunch with his fellow friars. He hates being isolated. So, he’s bringing that vibe to the Apostolic Palace.
- The Cohabitation Plan: Leo is moving in with three or four other people.
- Who are they? Reports from la Repubblica and Newsweek suggest his housemates will be fellow Augustinians, possibly including his secretary, Father Edgar Rimaycuna.
- The Vibe: This is a first. In modern history, no pope has shared the official third-floor residence with "roommates" who aren't just staff.
It’s a clever middle ground, really. By moving back, he satisfies the cardinals who were worried about the crazy security costs of protecting two different buildings (Santa Marta and the Palace). But by bringing friars with him, he avoids the "lonely prisoner of the Vatican" trap that previous popes complained about.
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Is Castel Gandolfo Back on the Menu?
You might remember that Pope Francis basically turned the summer residence at Castel Gandolfo into a museum. He didn't want the "vacation palace" life.
Well, the locals in that hilltop town are currently celebrating because Pope Leo XIV has already brought the tradition back. In July 2025, he became the first pope in over a decade to actually spend his summer retreat there.
He didn't kick the tourists out entirely, though. He’s keeping the Borgo Laudato Si’ ecology project running on the farm, but he’s definitely using the palace for "restoring body and spirit," as he put it. If you’re planning a trip to Italy in the summer of 2026, don’t be surprised to see the papal flag flying over the square in Castel Gandolfo again.
What This Means for the Future
The decision of where to live might seem like "Vatican interior design" gossip, but it tells us a lot about how Leo intends to lead. He’s a guy who respects tradition (moving back to the Palace) but isn't afraid to break the mold (having roommates).
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He's balancing the books, too. It turns out providing security for a pope living in a guesthouse while maintaining a palace next door was a financial nightmare.
Actionable Insights for Vatican Watchers
If you’re trying to keep track of the new administration’s "home life," here’s what to keep an eye on:
- The Sunday Angelus: You’ll see him at the window of the Apostolic Palace every Sunday. This is now his permanent home base.
- Travel Schedule: Don't expect him to be home much in 2026. He’s already eyeing trips to Algeria (to visit St. Augustine’s home), Spain, and South America.
- The "Friar Factor": Watch how the "communal living" experiment works. If it goes well, it might permanently change how future popes use the Apostolic Palace.
Basically, Pope Leo XIV has figured out a way to live in a palace without actually living like a king. It’s a hybrid move—part restoration, part reinvention. It’ll be fascinating to see if the "housemate" model makes the Vatican feel a little less like a museum and more like a home.
The transition is officially complete. The lights are back on in the top floor of the Palace, but the coffee pot is likely brewing enough for five.