As Pope Leo XIV settles into his new role as leader of 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide, his decision about where to hang his zucchetto might reveal more about his papacy than any formal announcement. Will the former Cardinal Robert Prevost continue his predecessor’s rejection of papal pomp by remaining in the modest Vatican guesthouse? Or will tradition call him back to the Apostolic Palace that housed pontiffs for centuries before Francis’s revolutionary choice? The answer could define his papacy before it truly begins.
The Traditional Choice: Apostolic Palace
Pope Leo XIV is seen for the first time from the Vatican balcony.
For over a century, the Apostolic Palace served as the traditional papal residence. This complex wraps around the Courtyard of Sixtus V on the third floor of the Vatican’s administrative building. The papal apartments include approximately ten rooms: a vestibule, offices, the pope’s private study and bedroom, a medical suite, dining room, living room, kitchen, and even a roof garden.
The palace is essentially the Vatican’s White House—not just a residence but the center of Church governance, housing offices, chapels, museums, and the Vatican Library, including the famed Sistine Chapel.
Pope Francis’s Revolutionary Choice: Casa Santa Marta
Nuns walk in front of the Casa di Santa Marta Hotel in Vatican City.
When Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio became Pope Francis in 2013, he shocked Vatican traditionalists by declining to move into the papal apartments. Instead, he chose to remain in Suite 201 at Casa Santa Marta (Domus Sanctae Marthae), the Vatican guesthouse where cardinals stay during conclaves.
His modest 70-square-meter suite offered basic amenities with a slightly more elegant living area for receiving guests. The five-story building includes 106 mini-suites, each with a sitting room, bedroom, and private bathroom.
This housing choice perfectly aligned with Francis’s emphasis on humility and accessibility. By taking meals in the common dining room and celebrating morning Mass in the guest chapel, he maintained daily contact with ordinary clergy and visitors, avoiding the isolation that can come with high office.
Will Pope Leo XIV Follow In Francis’s Footsteps or Return to Tradition?
Pope Francis greets USA Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost (now Pope Leo XIV).
While the answer is unconfirmed, signs point toward continuity with Francis’s humble approach. As Cardinal Robert Prevost, Leo XIV was a key figure in Pope Francis’s administration, leading the team that selected new bishops and implementing significant reforms that aligned with Francis’s vision for the Church. His role as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops placed him squarely in Francis’s inner circle, where he carried out the former pope’s vision for a more inclusive Church.
Those who know Leo XIV consistently describe him as humble and unassuming. Archbishop George Thomas of Las Vegas, who met with Leo in Rome in 2023, noted: «He is a man who wielded significant influence during Pope Francis’s tenure, yet he does not project that power in public.» Thomas even recounted that during their lunch at the Vatican, Leo’s «attire and manner were reminiscent of a parish priest coming to offer congratulations,» rather than displaying the trappings of his high office.
Before his elevation, Leo spent significant time as a missionary in Peru, where according to his former roommate Father John Leydon, he «cared deeply about the poor.» Leydon describes the new pope as a «bridge-builder» who promotes dialogue between different perspectives. Despite being American-born, Leydon notes that Leo XIV is «probably the least American of the American cardinals» because he worked primarily in Latin America and Rome rather than the United States.
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost (now Pope Leo XIV) leads rosary prayers for the health of Pope Francis in St Peter’s Square on March 3, 2025 in Vatican City.
In his own words, Leo XIV has emphasized the importance of humility for Church leaders: «The bishop is not supposed to be a little prince sitting in his kingdom. But rather called authentically to be humble, to be close to the people he serves, to walk with them, to suffer with them.»
Given Leo’s background as an Augustinian (following the rule of Saint Augustine), his commitment to simplicity appears deeply rooted in his spiritual formation. He has previously stated, «We as Augustinians, again as a mendicant order, I think are called to live in a simple life at the service of others and in a special way to reach out to those who are poor.»
Whatever Leo XIV decides, his choice carries symbolism. The Apostolic Palace represents tradition, institutional power, and the Church’s historical grandeur. Casa Santa Marta embodies simplicity, accessibility, and community living.
For now, as cardinals and Vatican staff adjust to new leadership, the papal housing question remains unanswered. But in a Church where symbols matter deeply, Leo XIV’s home may well be his most telling statement of purpose.
Julia Cancilla is the engagement editor (and resident witch) at ELLE Decor, where she manages the brand’s social media presence and covers trends, lifestyle, and culture in the design world. Julia built her background at Inked magazine, where she grew their social media audiences by two million, conducted interviews with A-list celebrities, and penned feature articles focusing on pop culture, art and lifestyle. Over her five years of digital media experience, Julia has written about numerous topics, from fashion to astrology.
