Pope Leo XIV Embraces Change at the Vatican
Pope Leo XIV is taking a bold step at the Vatican, it seems. Reports indicate that he’s moving to a newly renovated apartment and will have four roommates.
This new living arrangement marks a significant shift, as it’s the first time in recent history that a Pope has opted to live with others in the official palace quarters, according to reports.
“That seems new to me,” Vatican correspondent Iacopo Scalamazzi remarked to a British outlet.
“I’m not sure it aligns with the historical context of the Church, but, you know, in contemporary times, it feels quite different.”
Joining him is Father Edgard Limikna, his Peruvian personal assistant, frequently seen by Leo’s side. Father Edgard, a close friend since Leo’s early days in South America, is known to be one of his most trusted advisors.
“In my opinion, Leo is definitely different from Francis, but there are similarities too,” Scaramji commented. “He’s back in the Pope’s apartment, but he’s not acting like a king.”
This shared arrangement is said to embody the spirit of the Augustinian community, which is the order Leo belongs to. It certainly stands in contrast to Pope Francis, who, upon his appointment in 2013, chose the Vatican guesthouse over a traditional apartment.
The Apostle Palace, where the apartment is located, dates back to the 15th century and hosts not just the Pope’s living quarters but also an office, a museum, and the Sistine Chapel.
This week, Italian media outlet La Repubblica reported ongoing renovations for the apartment. The third floor, featuring ten suites, is also undergoing repairs to address water damage and humidity issues from years of neglect.
While the Vatican remains somewhat anxious about the renovations, it’s reported that engineers have been diligently working for several months.
Following Pope Francis’s passing in April, the Pope’s apartment was sealed for rituals before opening for renovations. Since that time, Pope Leo has been staying in the Sagrestia building near St. Peter’s Cathedral.
This isn’t Leo XIV’s first venture into modernity.
Born into a working-class immigrant family in Chicago, he came from humble beginnings before entering the priesthood.
In 2024, he mentioned in an interview with Vatican News that he aims to remain grounded. “The bishop isn’t just a little prince in his kingdom, but rather someone who walks beside the people, sharing their struggles and staying close to those he serves,” he expressed.
Online reactions to Leo’s new living situation are mixed. Earlier this year, author James Martin shared his thoughts on social media.
