The Pope lives in The Vatican City State which is the smallest country in the world. It has an area of just 121 acres, and is located in the heart of Rome, Italy.
Contrary to popular belief, the Pope doesn’t live in St. Peter’s Basilica. His official residence is the Apostolic Palace, also known as the Papal Palace or Vatican Palace. This massive complex is located within Vatican City.
The Apostolic Palace is absolutely enormous, containing over 1,000 rooms. It’s not just a home but also houses various papal offices and reception rooms. Parts of the palace date back to the 5th century, though most of the current structure was built in the 15th and 16th centuries.
The Papal Apartment
Within the vastness of the Apostolic Palace is the Papal Apartment, the Pope’s actual living quarters. This apartment is on the top floor of the palace and includes a bedroom, private study, chapel, and small dining room.
But this is not where the current Pope lives.
Where Does Pope Francis Live?
Interestingly, Pope Francis, elected in 2013, chose not to live in the Papal Apartment. Instead, he resides in the Vatican guesthouse called Domus Sanctae Marthae (Saint Martha’s House). This more modest accommodation aligns with his preference for a simpler lifestyle and really does say volumes about the man who currently head the Catholic Church.
Just to give you some idea of the difference between the Papal apartments and where Pope Francis has chosen to live, just take a look at the two images below.
