Pope Leo XIV is reportedly planning to invite several individuals to share accommodations with him once he relocates to the papal apartments later this year.
Shortly after being elected, the Pope revealed his intention to reside in the opulent Papal apartments at Rome’s Apostolic Palace, a decision that contrasts with that of his predecessor, Pope Francis.
Currently, the 16th-century apartment, which boasts ten rooms, is undergoing renovations. It is anticipated that three or four members of the clergy will join him in this residence, as reported by La Repubblica on Tuesday.
The Pope’s Peruvian personal secretary, Father Edgard Rimaycuna, is expected to be one of those to live alongside him.
It will be the first time in modern history that a pope will share his official living quarters on the third floor of the palace.
Vatican correspondent Iacopo Scaramuzzi commented to the Telegraph: ‘This arrangement is quite novel from my perspective. I’m uncertain if it has parallels in the extensive annals of church history, though it certainly stands out in current times.’
Following tradition, after Pope Francis’s passing, the apartment’s doors were sealed on April 21, despite him having chosen not to live there.
Instead of residing in the lavish Papal apartments within the Apostolic Palace, the former Pontiff opted for the simpler Casa Santa Marta guesthouse, embracing an austere lifestyle.
Days after his election, the Pope Leo announced he would live in the luxurious Papal apartments in Rome’s Apostolic Palace, unlike his predecessor Pope Francis
The Apostolic Palace has long been the official residence of the pope, until Pope Francis chose to move into the Casa Santa Marta guesthouse
Casa Santa Marta was originally built in 1996 to house cardinals during a conclave
‘In my opinion, Leo is definitely different to Francis but not that different,’ Mr Scaramuzzi said.
‘He is returning to the papal apartments, but not like a king.’
Mr Scaramuzzi added that it is unclear who the Pope will choose, but stressed it was in keeping with the sense of community brought about by Leo’s Augustinian Order.
The apartments have been the official residence of popes since 1870, and it is usual for the new pope to renovate the apartments.
Work has taken place over the past months on a redesign of the rooms, as well as fixing damage caused by water infiltration and humidity in the 12 years the apartment was empty.
The Pope traditionally blesses crowds of pilgrims gathering in St Peter’s Square on Sundays from the window of the apartment.
Out of the last six popes, three of them, John XXIII, John Paul I, and John Paul II, died inside the papal apartments.
Father James Martin, an American Jesuit journalist, described Pope Leo’s return to the apartments as a prudent decision.
A view of Holy Father’s Private Chapel inside the papal apartment in the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo
The author wrote on X earlier this year: ‘Leo’s move should not be taken as a sign either of a critique of Pope Francis or as him not living “simply”
‘We need to trust Pope Leo’s discernment in this and all things – and wish him well in his new digs!’
For 12 years, he lived just steps from St Peter’s Square in the Curia of the St Augustinian Order while serving as prior-general between 2001 and 2013.
He often spoke of the value of living side-by-side with others in a religious community.
The American Pope is currently living in the Sagrestia building, right next to St Peter’s Basilica, while his papal apartment undergoes renovation.
This summer, he also resurrected a tradition abandoned by his predecessor — retreating to the papal summer residence at Castel Gandolfo.
The hilltop palace, perched above the sparkling waters of Lake Albano, once served as a sanctuary for pontiffs escaping the sweltering Roman heat.
The Pope spent several days there in July, before returning again in August for another brief stay.
Last Sunday, he shared lunch with more than 100 homeless people while celebrating Mass before visiting a local shrine in the town of Albano.
The Vatican has been approached for comment by the Daily Mail.
