Rome: what is the residence chosen by Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican

After the papal election, a new decision caught attention in the Vatican: The place where Leo XIV will reside during his pontificate. Unlike his predecessor, who had opted for the austere house Santa Marta, The new Pope chose to settle In the Apostolic Palacethus retaking a tradition that had been interrupted in 2013. The choice is not less. From the Renaissance, that set of buildings adjacent to the Basilica of San Pedro has been much more than a residence: It is the political, spiritual and artistic heart of the Vatican. With more than a thousand rooms, the apostolic palace concentrates centuries of papal history. There are the pontifical apartments, the apostolic library, offices of the curia and audience rooms; Also emblematic chapels such as the Sistine and stays decorated by Rafael. The two residences that could have been the new house of Leo XIV and the Pope chose one of them. of the papacy, marked by solemnity and tradition. It is not just a change of address, but a symbol. Returning to the palace involves inhabiting the center of Vatican power, with its hierarchical structure and its architectural and cultural legacy.The last time a Pope lived there was Benedict XVI. In 2013, Francisco surprised the world when choosing the modest Casa Santa Marta as residence. His decision was interpreted as a gesture of austerity and closeness, according to his pastoral style. Since then, the Pontifical Residence ceased to be obvious: That gesture marked a break with centuries of tradition, since the imposing apostolic palace had been the symbol of papal power for centuries.The choice of Leo XIV, on the other hand, marks a return to tradition. Although it does not necessarily imply a change of doctrinal approach, it positions the new Pope within the most symbolic scenario of the Vatican. The Apostolic Palace, with its frescoes, marbles and galleries, is once again the center of papal life. Papa Benedict XVI was the last to live in the Apostolic Palace until his retirement in 2013 submitted next to the Basilica of San Pedro, the Apostolic Palace It is one of the most important building sets in the world for its historical, architectural and artistic value. Also known as Papal palace either Vatican Palacebegan to be built in the fourteenth century and was consolidated as an official residence of the pontiffs from the seventeenth century.The building is actually a complex of interconnected structures, with more than A thousand rooms distributed on several levels. Among its most emblematic spaces are the pontifical apartments, the Apostolic Librarythe Sistine chapelvarious offices of the Roman curia and rooms for receptions and audiences. Its interior retains works of the very high heritage value, such as Rafael frescoes, Renaissance sculptures, tapestries, period furniture and marble coatings. The Sistine Chapel is used when the conclave is carried out to choose the new Pope Getty Images Structure represents not only a private residence but also an institutional axis: Who lives there is integrated into the formal life of the Vatican, both from the organizational and ceremonial point of view. In architectural terms, it is a monumental set that combines Renaissance and Baroque elements, with decorative details of multiple historical stages. It was the home of the potatoes for centuries, until in 2013 there was an unexpected turn. The Pope Francis speaks during a weekly private audience broadcast live from the Library of the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican during the Pandemia of the Coronavirusa was found within the Vatican gardens, a few meters from the basilica of San Pedro, The Santa Marta house was inaugurated in 1996 on the initiative of John Paul IIwith the aim of providing accommodation to the cardinals during the conclaves. Designed by the Italian architect Giuseppe Facchini, the building is modern, functional and with a low profile. The Santa Marta house is located on the limit of the Vatican, steps from the Basilica of San PedroIt has 129 rooms and 106 suites, distributed in five levels. His architectural style is sober, with wide corridors, simple and unpretentious common spaces. It is equipped as a three -star hotel and, in addition to the bedrooms, it offers a chapel, community dining room and meetings. Instead, He chose to live in a standard room in Santa Marta. With this, he sought to stay close to other religious, break the logic of privileges and live with humility. The decision was interpreted as a strong signal of his pastoral style, austere and close to the people.The room occupied by Pope Francis during his residence in the house of Santa Martacon the decision to inhabit the Apostolic PalaceLeo XIV marks a turning point with respect to his predecessor. More than a change of address, it is a gesture that positions it in the historical and institutional heart of the Vatican. The choice reinforces a vision of the papacy linked to tradition, solemnity and symbolism of the great spaces of power. Santa Marta house It remains active as a residence for cardinals and ecclesiastical officials. Its discreet and functional profile continues to represent a more austere alternative within the Vatican walls. But the Pope has already taken his place: The apostolic palace is again the center of papal life.