When asked, “Where Does The Pope Live?”, the straightforward answer is Vatican City. However, this independent city-state, though small, spans over 100 acres. It’s hardly a single dwelling. So, pinpointing the Pope’s exact residence within the Vatican requires a closer look. Are you likely to encounter him during a visit to the Sistine Chapel? Does he reside in Vatican City year-round? Let’s explore the Pope’s living quarters and uncover the details.
The Papal Apartments: A Residence Steeped in Tradition
For centuries, the official residence of the Pope has been the Papal Apartments. This tradition began in the 17th century, and these apartments are situated within the Apostolic Palace. Facing St. Peter’s Basilica, you can spot the Apostolic Palace on the northeast side, above the colonnades of Saint Peter’s Square.
Known also as the Appartamento Pontificio or Appartamento Nobile, this residence comprises approximately ten rooms. Beyond the Pope’s private bedroom, the apartments include a personal study. It’s from the window of this study, overlooking Saint Peter’s Square, that the Pope delivers his Papal blessing on Sundays, greeting the thousands gathered below hoping for a glimpse. The Papal Apartments are also equipped with a medical suite, a dining room, a living room, a kitchen, and the Pope’s own private chapel, providing all the necessities for his daily life and work. Adding to the tranquility, there’s a roof garden and staff quarters for the nuns who attend to the Papal household.
Traditionally, the Pope would reside in the Papal Apartments for the majority of the year, typically ten months. During the hotter months of July and August, it was customary for the Pope to retreat to his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, outside of Rome, offering a change of pace and cooler environment.
Domus Sanctae Marthae: Pope Francis’s Break from Tradition
Despite the long-standing custom of Popes residing in the Papal Apartments, Pope Francis chose a different path upon his election in 2013. He became the first Pope since Pope Pius X in 1903 to forgo living in the traditional Papal Apartments.
Instead, Pope Francis opted to live in the Domus Sanctae Marthae, or Saint Martha’s House. This building functions as a hotel, originally constructed in 1996 under Pope John Paul II. Its purpose was to accommodate members of the clergy visiting the Vatican for business. Furthermore, the Domus Sanctae Marthae serves as the lodging for the College of Cardinals when they convene at the Vatican for a conclave to elect a new Pope. During these conclaves, the Cardinals are intentionally isolated from the outside world, with all external communication lines like radio, television, and phones disconnected to ensure the sanctity and privacy of the election process.
Pope Francis’s decision to reside here reflects his preference for a more modest lifestyle compared to the grandeur associated with the Papal Apartments. The U.S. Ambassador at the time described the Domus Sanctae Marthae as “comfortable but by no means deluxe,” underscoring its relatively simple accommodations. Pope Francis resides in suite number 201, maintaining a simple living arrangement with only essential furnishings. His security is ensured by two Swiss Guards who are stationed outside his door around the clock. The Domus Sanctae Marthae is located within the Vatican City walls, conveniently close to Saint Peter’s Basilica.
The Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo: A Historic Summer Retreat, Now a Museum
Traditionally, the months of July and August saw the Pope relocate to the town of Castel Gandolfo. There, he would reside in the Apostolic Palace, perched at the town’s highest point and offering stunning views of Lake Albano. Castel Gandolfo is situated approximately 16 miles from Rome and is easily accessible by train from Termini Station, making it a convenient escape from the city.
Castel Gandolfo is a picturesque town with a population of around 8,900 and is celebrated as one of Italy’s most beautiful locations. The site where the Palazzo now stands was acquired by the Vatican in 1596, during the papacy of Pope Paul V. Historically significant events have occurred at the Palace in Castel Gandolfo; both Pope Pius XII in 1958 and Pope Paul VI in 1978 passed away there. More recently, when Pope Benedict XVI retired, he initially traveled to Castel Gandolfo to spend time recovering after his eight years as Pope, before eventually moving back to the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery within Vatican City.
However, Pope Francis chose not to continue the tradition of summering at the Palazzo in Castel Gandolfo. It is reported that he has never stayed overnight there, although he has visited the Palazzo on several occasions.
Since October 2016, the Palazzo has been opened to the public as a museum. This allows visitors to explore the historic residence and gardens, previously exclusively accessible to the Pope and his entourage, offering a unique glimpse into papal history and life.
