As the first American to lead the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV has already made history. However, the 69-year-old now has some important choices to make, not just about the church but also about his possible residence.
His predecessor, Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday at the age of 88, chose to live in the modest Casa Santa Marta guesthouse in Vatican City instead of the opulent papal palaces that were provided to him upon his appointment in 2013.
Pope Leo, who was born in Chicago and has worked as a missionary in Peru for a large portion of his life, may not be used to or even want a life of luxury. He could follow Francis’ example by refusing to move into Rome’s Apostolic Palace, which he now has access to.
Since winning the Cardinals’ conclave vote and being crowned pope on Thursday, May 8, the 69-year-old has already received a lot of wealth, including a bulletproof “popemobile” and a $500,000 gold ring.
Although almost everything in the Vatican will be provided for him, including food, transportation, and security, the man of faith is also entitled to a respectable salary.
Pope Leo will have complete access to some of the most exquisite sculptures, artwork, and relics in history, even if he decides to sleep outside the palace.
He will also have unrestricted access to well-known locations like the Sistine Chapel, Raphael’s Rooms, and the Borgia Apartments, so he would be wise to avoid getting lost in the more than 1,000 rooms he will be visiting.
The public can only see a certain amount of the palace during the official tours, but it is also home to museums, libraries, and private chapels.
Earlier this week, the newly appointed pope gave his first speech in English.
He addressed the Cardinals during a sermon and said: “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 alluring choice of living at the Apostolic Palace or at the castle of Castel Gandolfo, a 135-acre complex on the outskirts of Rome that offers stunning views of Lake Albano.
However, he may reject that grandeur if he does, in fact, follow the precedent set by Pope Francis, as he is expected to do in many other ways.
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