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The Apostolic Palace, built in 1589, was the Pope’s residence for centuries. In 2013, Pope Francis chose the modest Domus Sanctae Marthae, reflecting his humble lifestyle.
Originally constructed in 1589 during the papacy of Pope Sixtus V, the Apostolic Palace has been home to the Pontiff for centuries. (AP Photo)
The Apostolic Palace, a sprawling complex in the heart of Vatican City, has long served as the official residence of the Pope, symbolising the grandeur and authority of the Catholic Church. This massive edifice, located northeast of St Peter’s Basilica, boasts over 1,000 rooms spread across 1.7 million square feet.
Originally constructed in 1589 during the papacy of Pope Sixtus V, the palace has been home to the Pontiff for centuries, with the Pope’s private quarters situated on the third floor. This apartment, a vast 3,000 square metres in size, includes a chapel, offices, a dining room, and spaces for the Pope’s staff.
In 1903, Pope Pius X became the first to make the Apostolic Palace his home, and numerous papacies since have seen the apartment modified, including significant renovations under Pope Paul VI in 1964.
In addition to its role as a residence, the Apostolic Palace serves as the administrative heart of Vatican City, housing various offices of the Church, the Vatican Museums, and the renowned Sistine Chapel, home to Michelangelo’s iconic frescoes. It functions much like a governmental seat, combining both residence and the headquarters of Church governance.
However, when Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio ascended to the papacy as Pope Francis in 2013, he made a striking departure from over a century of tradition. Contrary to expectations, Pope Francis chose not to inhabit the lavish papal apartments but instead resided in the modest Domus Sanctae Marthae, a guesthouse located within Vatican City.
The decision, which broke a century-old tradition, mirrored his humble approach during his tenure as Archbishop of Buenos Aires, where he similarly rejected the opulent accommodations of the Bishop’s Palace in favour of simpler living quarters. Known for his austere lifestyle, Pope Francis also opted to cook his own meals.
St Martha’s House, where Pope Francis chose to live, is a far cry from the grandeur of the Apostolic Palace. Built in 1996 on the site of an ancient hospice for the poor, the building is a five-story structure designed to house cardinals during the conclave. It features simple rooms and a practical, hotel-like atmosphere, a sharp contrast to the aristocratic surroundings of the Pope’s official residence.
During his time at St Martha’s House, Pope Francis resided in Suite 201, a 538-square-foot space furnished modestly with basic amenities, including a small living room, prayer area, and simple furnishings like a bed, wardrobe, and a crucifix. His suite was sparse, reflecting his minimalistic approach to papal living.
In terms of staff, Pope Francis significantly reduced the number of personal servants compared to his predecessors. His security, however, remained a priority, with the Swiss Guard providing around-the-clock protection. His lifestyle also differed from the lavishness often associated with the papacy: he avoided luxury cars, opting instead for simple Fiat or Ford models, and refrained from large banquets, preferring to dine with priests and officials in the dining hall.
Pope Francis’s decision to live humbly has not only reshaped the way the world views the papacy but has also left an indelible mark on the traditions of the Vatican. As cardinals now gather at St Martha’s House to elect his successor, the question remains whether the next Pope will continue this humble path or return to the opulent lifestyle of the Apostolic Palace. Regardless of the outcome, Pope Francis’s tenure has forever altered the meaning of the Chair of St Peter.
- Location :
Vatican City, Vatican City
