Pope Francis' Residence: Where Did He Live? - Vatican City
Where did the shepherd of the Catholic Church reside? Pope Francis, a figure known for his humility, chose a residence far removed from the opulent traditions of his predecessors, opting instead for a life of simplicity within the heart of Vatican City.
On April 21, 2025, the world mourned the passing of Pope Francis. He died at the age of 88, his earthly journey concluding in his residence at Casa Santa Marta, a guesthouse located within Vatican City. Following his death, the Vatican entered the "sede vacante" period, a time of transition until a new pontiff is elected.
When Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio became Pope Francis in March 2013, he made a surprising decision that caught the attention of many Vatican observers. He declined to move into the papal apartments, a choice that signaled a departure from centuries of tradition. Instead, he opted to reside in the Domus Sanctae Marthae (Latin for Saint Martha's House; Casa Santa Marta), a modest guesthouse within Vatican City. This guesthouse is where cardinals typically stay during conclaves, the gatherings where a new pope is chosen.
To announce the news of the Pope's passing, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo and a senior Vatican official, penned a message. It read: "At 7:35 this morning, the bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the father." This simple statement marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for the Catholic Church.
Instead of living in the palatial Apostolic Palace, estimated to be worth around $20 million, Pope Francis chose Casa Santa Marta, a guesthouse within Vatican City. He had lived in this guest house since his election in 2013, his life marked by a commitment to simplicity and accessibility. Unlike many of his predecessors, Pope Francis lived in the Vatican City, an ecclesiastical state and enclave surrounded by Rome. While previous popes often resided within the Vatican Palace, Pope Francis chose a different path, choosing to live in the Santa Marta guesthouse, visiting the Apostolic Palace only for official events and Sunday ceremonies.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jorge Mario Bergoglio |
| Born | December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Died | April 21, 2025, in Vatican City |
| Papal Name | Francis |
| Elected Pope | March 13, 2013 |
| Previous Position | Archbishop of Buenos Aires |
| Education | Master's degree in philosophy and literature, St. Joseph's Seminary |
| Key Initiatives | Emphasis on social justice, environmental protection (Laudato si'), and interreligious dialogue. |
| Residences | Casa Santa Marta, Vatican City (from 2013) |
| Notable Actions | Promoting a more synodal Church, reaching out to marginalized communities. |
| Reference | Official Vatican Website |
The Domus Sanctae Marthae (Saint Martha's House; Casa Santa Marta) is adjacent to St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. Completed in 1996 during the pontificate of Pope John Paul II, the building is named after Martha of Bethany, sister to Mary and Lazarus of Bethany. It was here, in this guest house, that Pope Francis spent his final years, close to the heart of the Church.
Following his death, the process of electing a new pontiff was set in motion. A conclave was expected to be held between 15 and 20 days after Francis's death, a period that would determine the future leadership of the Catholic Church.
Each morning, Pope Francis awoke before dawn in his modest accommodation at Casa Santa Marta. As day broke, he would pray and meditate before delivering a homily.
The White House paid tribute to Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday at 88. In a message posted on X (formerly Twitter), the White House shared photos of President Donald Trump. In 2015, Pope Francis became the third pope to visit the White House. The world remembers his legacy of service.
On March 23, 2025, at 6:22 AM in Vatican City, Pope Francis was already setting an example of humility. Pope Francis was admitted to Romes Gemelli Hospital on Friday, February 14, to undergo testing and treatment for bronchitis.
The Pope, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, died during the early morning hours of Monday, April 21, around 7:30 a.m. The world is now paying tribute to Pope Francis following the news of his death.
One can browse through the official website of the Holy See to view the magisterium of the supreme pontiffs (from Pope Leo XIII to Pope Francis), the fundamental texts of Catholicism in various languages (the Sacred Bible, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the documents of the Second Vatican Council, and the Code of Canon Law), and the documents of dicasteries, bodies, and institutions of the Roman Curia.
Pope Francis originally intended this exceptional memoir to appear only after his death, but the needs of our times and the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope moved him to make this legacy available sooner. In a tweet, the White House wrote, "Rest in peace, Pope Francis" (Image: AFP/Getty Images). Donald Trump also issued his personal statement on his Truth Social media site.
Pope Francis, known for his outspoken views on various issues, faced criticism, particularly from those who disagreed with his approach. Border Czar Tom Homan, who oversaw President Donald Trumps mass deportation program, criticized Pope Francis after he addressed the administrations approach to immigration enforcement. This underscored the global impact of Pope Franciss words and the diverse reactions they evoked.
In the 5th century, Pope Symmachus built a papal palace close to the old St. Peter's Basilica, which served as an alternative residence to the Lateran Palace. The construction of a second fortified palace was sponsored by Pope Eugene III and extensively modified under Pope Innocent III in the twelfth century. Over the centuries, the papacy has evolved, with different popes shaping the landscape of the Vatican and the traditions surrounding the papacy. Francis was the 266th occupant of the papacy, which dates back to the apostle Peter.
The letter from Pope Francis, published by the Vatican, was met with a swift rebuttal from the White House. Tom Homan, the presidents border czar, criticized the Popes comments, telling reporters, I wish hed stick to the Catholic Church and fix that and leave border enforcement to us. This reflects the complex relationship between the Church and political leaders and the differing views on important issues.
This photograph, taken on March 9, shows the study in the residence where Pope Francis has stayed since his election at the Vatican. The Pope had decided not to move into the papal apartments in the Apostolic Palace but to live in a suite in the Domus Sanctae Marthae, the guesthouse built in 1996 to house cardinals during a conclave.
