Pope Leo XIV shakes tradition in the Vatican – Moving to a recently renovated papal apartment and bringing four housemates with them, according to reports.
Leo plans to share his new residence, which is undergoing a large makeover, which the first time in modern history marks that a Pope has decided to live in common in the official quarters of the palace, De Telegraaf reported.
“It seems to be new to me,” Vatican -correspondent Iacopo Scaramuzzi told the UK Outlet. “I don’t know if that takes into account the long history of the church, but certainly in the modern era.”
Among those who reportedly come to him, his Peruvian personal secretary, Father Edgard Rimaycuna, is often seen on Leo’s side. A trusted adviser and good friend Since the early pastoral years of the Pope in South America, Father Edgard, is considered one of Leo’s most loyal companions.
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Pope Leo XIV in Castel Gandolfo with his old personal secretary, father Edgard Iván Rimaycuna Inga, who is expected to come to him in the Apostolic Palace Apartments. (Getty Images)
“In my opinion, Leo is absolutely different from Francis, but not so different,” Scaramuzzi added. “He returns to the papal apartments, but not as a king.”
The shared housing scheme would reflect the community ethos of the Augustinians, the order of brothers to which Leo belongs.
The move is also in contrast with Pope Francis, who said no to the papal apartments when he was dedicated in 2013, instead a Vatican Pension.
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In the spacious papal apartments that Pope Leo XIV can call home soon. (Getty Images)
The apostolic palace, where the apartment is located, dates from the 15th century and also houses papal offices, museums and the Sixtine chapel.
The Italian media outlet La Repubblica reported this week that renovations to the apartment are going on.
The suite with 10 rooms, located on the third floor of the palace, has also undergone repairs for water infiltration and humidity after years of non-use.
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One of the bedrooms in the papal apartment that will share Leo with four narrow companions. (Getty Images)
According to the Telegraph, the Vatican has been ‘tightly left over the last restructuring’, although technicians have been working for months.
When Francis died in April, the papal apartments were sealed in a ritual before they were reopened for renovation. Since then, Pope Leo has been living in the Sagrestia building near St. Peter’s Basilica.
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Pope Leo speaks to crowds outside the apostolic palace in 2025, where his apartment is currently being renovated. (Getty Images)
This is not the first time that Leo XIV has opted for a modern touch. Born in an immigrant family in the working class in Chicago, he grew up modestly before he joined the priesthood.
In 2024 he told Vatican news that he strives to stay grounded.
“A bishop is not supposed to be a little prince who is in his kingdom, but rather called authentic to be humble, close to the people he must be, walk with them and suffer with them,” he said.
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The reaction to Leo’s movement is mixed online. Earlier this year, author James Martin wrote on X: “We have to trust the distinction of Pope Leo in this and all things – and wish him the best in his new excavations!”
