Pope Leo XIV is shaking up custom on the Vatican — transferring right into a newly renovated papal house and bringing 4 roommates, in line with stories.
Leo plans to share his new residence, which is present process a serious revamp, marking the primary time in fashionable historical past {that a} pope has determined to stay communally within the palace’s official quarters, The Telegraph reported.
“It appears to be new to me,” Vatican correspondent Iacopo Scaramuzzi advised the UK outlet.
“I don’t know if that takes account of the lengthy historical past of the Church, however definitely within the fashionable period.”
Amongst these reportedly becoming a member of him is his Peruvian private secretary, Father Edgard Rimaycuna, who is usually seen at Leo’s aspect.
A trusted adviser and shut buddy for the reason that Pope’s early pastoral years in South America, Father Edgard, is considered one among Leo’s most loyal companions.
“For my part, Leo is certainly completely different to Francis however not that completely different,” Scaramuzzi added. “He’s returning to the papal flats, however not like a king.”
The shared residing association is alleged to mirror the neighborhood ethos of the Augustinians, the order of friars to which Leo belongs.
The transfer additionally contrasts with Pope Francis, who mentioned no to transferring into the papal flats when he was ordained in 2013, selecting as a substitute a Vatican guesthouse.
The Apostolic Palace, the place the house lies, dates again to the fifteenth century and likewise homes papal workplaces, museums and the Sistine Chapel.
Italian media outlet La Repubblica reported this week that renovations to the house are ongoing.
The ten-room suite, situated on the palace’s third flooring, has additionally undergone repairs for water infiltration and humidity after years of disuse.
The Vatican has remained “tight-lipped concerning the newest restructure,” in line with The Telegraph, although technicians have been at work for months.
When Francis died in April, the papal flats had been sealed in a ritual earlier than being reopened for renovation. Since then, Pope Leo has been residing within the Sagrestia constructing close to St. Peter’s Basilica.
This isn’t the primary time Leo XIV has opted for a contemporary contact.
Born to a working-class immigrant household in Chicago, he grew up modestly earlier than becoming a member of the priesthood.
In 2024, he advised Vatican Information that he strives to remain grounded.
“A bishop will not be speculated to be just a little prince sitting in his kingdom, however reasonably referred to as authentically to be humble, to be near the individuals he serves, to stroll with them and to endure with them,” he mentioned.
Response to Leo’s transfer has been blended on-line. Earlier this yr, writer James Martin wrote on X: “We have to belief Pope Leo’s discernment on this and all issues — and want him nicely in his new digs!”
