Pope Leo to live in Vatican ‘flatshare’ when he moves into papal apartments

It is thought to be the first time in modern history a pope will share the palace’s third-floor living quarters

Pope Leo XIV could be joined in the papal apartments by a number of “flatmates” when he moves in later this year, according to reports.

In a change from his predecessor, the Pope will reportedly share apartments in the 16th century Apostolic Palace for the first time in modern history.

Ten rooms in the building will be renovated, with three or four to be made ready for his brethren to move in with him, according to La Repubblica.

Father Edgard Rimaycuna, the Pope’s Peruvian personal secretary, is among those expected to be invited.

Leo became Pope earlier this year (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

“It seems to be new to me,” Vatican correspondent Iacopo Scaramuzzi told The Telegraph. “I don’t know if that takes account of the long history of the church but certainly in the modern era.”

On the 13 May, just days after being elected, the Pope vowed never to give up being an Augustinian, a religious order which cherishes community living.

“I will have to give up many things,” said Leo XIV after celebrating mass and lunching with his brethren. “My life has changed, but I will never give up being an Augustinian.”

This led to the plans to bring a small community of Augustinians with him to the luxurious Apostolic Palace, La Repubblica reported.

Despite the late pope not living there, seals were placed on the doors of the apartment on 21 April after he died in keeping with tradition.

Francis spent the years of his pontificate in the simply furnished Santa Marta residence in the Vatican, preferring daily contact with ordinary people.

The apartments include the pope’s bedroom, private study, and medical suite, and the Sunday blessing of pilgrims gathering in St Peter’s Square is delivered from its window (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

“In my opinion, Leo is definitely different to Francis but not that different,” Mr Scaramuzzi said. “He is returning to the papal apartments, but not like a king.”

It is tradition for new popes to renovate the papal apartments, which have been the official residence of popes since 1870.

The Vatican has given few details about the latest work, but technicians have spent months repairing water and humidity damage accumulated over 12 years of vacancy.

A cornice also reportedly detached from a kitchen window earlier this year, prompting urgent repairs.

The apartments include the pope’s bedroom, private study, and medical suite, and the Sunday blessing of pilgrims gathering in St Peter’s Square is delivered from its window. Pope Leo currently resides in the nearby Sagrestia building.

Father James Martin previously called Leo’s return to the apartments a prudent decision on X, formerly Twitter.

Three of the last six popes - John XXIII, John Paul I, and John Paul II - died in the apartments.