Secrets Unveiled: The Grand Palace Where Pope Leo XIV Might Soon Reside

So, here we are—Pope Leo XIV has just etched his name in the Catholic Church’s history books as the very first American pope. Not your everyday headline, right? At 69, Leo’s faced with a pair of rather monumental choices: how to steer the spiritual ship forward and—brace yourself—even where he’s gonna hang his hat. Now, his predecessor, the ever-humble Pope Francis, famously shrugged off the fancy papal apartments and instead chose a simple room at Casa Santa Marta. Could Leo, a missionary who’s spent years in Peru, opt for the same Spartan lifestyle? Or will he embrace the dizzying vistas (and over 1,000 rooms) of the Apostolic Palace? It’s the kind of Vatican drama that makes me wonder—does the Holy See’s biggest decision now hinge on real estate preferences? Whatever happens, this new chapter is nothing short of fascinating.

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Pope Leo XIV has already made history as the first American man to become the leader of the Catholic Church, but the 69-year-old now has some big decisions to make – not just within the church, but also where he might be living.

His predecessor Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88 on Easter Monday, opted for a more simple home life at the Casa Santa Marta guesthouse in Vatican City, rather than in the lavish papal apartments that were made available to him when he assumed the position back in 2013.

Pope Leo, originally from Chicago, has spent much of his life working as a missionary in Peru, so a life of luxury may well not be something he is accustomed to, or even desires, and he could follow in the footsteps of Francis by not moving into Rome’s Apostolic Palace.

The Borgia apartments (DIMITAR DILKOFF/AFP via Getty Images)

The 69-year-old has already had plenty of wealth handed over to him since winning the Cardinals’ conclave vote and being confirmed as the new pope on Thursday (8 May), including a $500,000 gold ring and a bulletproof ‘popemobile’.

The man of religion is also entitled to a decent wage, although nearly everything will be provided for him in the Vatican, whether it be food, travel or security.

Even if Pope Leo does choose to sleep outside of the palace, he will still have full access to some of the most beautiful artwork, sculptures and artefacts in history.

The Sistine Chapel (Vatican Media/Anadolu via Getty Images)

He will also have over 1,000 rooms to visit, so will do well to not get lost in there, as he gets unrestricted access to famous spots such as the Sistine Chapel, Raphael’s Rooms and the Borgia Apartments.

It is also home to museums, libraries, and private chapels, with the public only allowed to see so much on the official tours of the palace.

The new pope spoke delivered his first message in English earlier this week.

Some of the beautiful architecture inside the Vatican (Franco Origlia/Getty Images)

He spoke to his Cardinals at a sermon, saying: “I know I can rely on each and every one of you to walk with me as we continue as a Church, as a community of friends of Jesus, as believers, to announce the good news, to announce the Gospel.”

Leo will have the enticing option of life in the Apostolic Palace or by the cliffside retreat at the palace of Castel Gandolfo, a 135-acre complex with breathtaking views of Lake Albano on the outskirts of Rome.

But if he does indeed follow the precedent that was set by Pope Francis, as he is expected to do in many other ways, then we could well see him reject that grandeur.