Vatican apartment restored
Pope Leo XIV has moved into the newly renovated papal apartment in the Apostolic Palace — a restoration that signals a return to traditional Vatican residences and adds context for anyone touring Vatican history this season (reported Mar 15) After a renovation, Pope Leo XIV moves into the papal apartment eschewed by Pope Francis.
The Holy See Press Office said Pope Leo XIV formally took possession of the papal apartments on March 14, 2026. (ewtnnews.com) The suite sits on the Third Loggia (third floor) of the Apostolic Palace and contains a private study, a library, and a small chapel that overlooks St. Peter’s Square. (vaticannews.va) Italian reporting and Vatican observers said the restoration project lasted roughly nine months and focused on structural and modernization work before the move. (infovaticana.com) Vatican statements and news agencies reported Leo will be accompanied in the apartment by his closest aides, shifting key functions back into the Apostolic Palace complex. (apnews.com) Italian and international outlets noted the papal apartment had been essentially vacant since Benedict XVI’s resignation in 2013 and was never occupied by Pope Francis, making this a resumption of the traditional residence pattern. (infovaticana.com) The move came about ten months after Leo’s election as pope, a timing repeated in press releases that tied the completion of renovations to the Vatican’s calendar for Holy Week and public ceremonies. (france24.com)
