Pope Leo to Return to Vatican Apartment Shunned by Pope Francis

Pope Leo is reportedly planning to return to the ‘papal apartment’ within the Vatican, which his predecessor, Pope Francis, had chosen not to inhabit. On Sunday morning (11/05/2025), following the liturgy, Pope Leo officially reopened the entrance to the apartment in the presence of Vatican Prime Minister Pietro Parolin and Cardinal Richard Gallagher, the Secretary for Relations with States. The apartment had been sealed immediately after the death of the Argentine pontiff as per the regulations of the Holy See. The ten-room apartment is currently undergoing renovations, including electrical system repairs, moisture issues, and repainting of the walls. In contrast, Pope Francis famously opted to reside in the guesthouse of Saint Martha, sharing living quarters with other clergy members.