Pope Leo XIV is settling in the papal apartment with four close friends at the Vatican

Pope Leo XIV shakes the tradition to the Vatican – moving into a recently renovated papal apartment and bringing four roommates, according to reports.

Leo plans to share his new residence, which undergoes a major overhaul, marking the first time in modern history that a pope decided to live in common in the official districts of the palace, reported the Telegraph.

“It seems to be new to me,” said Vatican Iacopo Scaramuzzi correspondent at UK Outlet. “I do not know if it takes into account the long history of the Church, but certainly in the modern era.”

Among those who join him, there is his Peruvian personal secretary, Father Edgard Rimaycuna, who is often seen alongside Leo. A confidence advisor and close friend since the first pastoral years of the Pope in South America, Father Edgard, is considered one of Leo’s most faithful companions.

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Pope Leo XIV in Castel Gandolfo with his longtime personal secretary, Father Edgard Iván Rimaycun Inga, who should join him in the apartments of the Apostolic Palace. (Getty Images)

“In my opinion, Leo is definitely different from Francis but not so different,” added Scaramuzzi. “He returns to the papal apartments, but not like a king.”

The shared life agreement would reflect community ethics of the Augustins, the order of the brothers to whom the belongs.

This decision also contrasts with Pope Francis, who said no to move to the papal apartments when he was ordered in 2013, rather choosing a Vatican guest house.

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Inside the spacious papal apartments that Pope Leo XIV may soon call home. (Getty Images)

The apostolic palace, where the apartment is located, dates back to the 15th century and also houses papal offices, museums and the Sistine chapel.

The Italian media store La Repubblica reported this week that renovations to the apartment were underway.

The suite of 10 bedrooms, located on the third floor of the palace, has also undergone repairs for water infiltration and humidity after years of disuse.

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One of the rooms inside the papal apartment, which Leo will share with four close companions. (Getty Images)

The Vatican remained “with regard to the last restructuring”, according to the Telegraph, although the technicians have been at work for months.

On the death of Francis in April, the papal apartments were sealed in a ritual before being reopened for the renovation. Since then, Pope Leo has lived in the Sagrestia building near the Saint-Pierre basilica.

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Pope Leo talks about crowds outside the apostolic palace in 2025, where his apartment is currently renovating. (Getty Images)

This is not the first time that Leo XIV has opted for a modern touch. Born from a family of working class immigrants in Chicago, he grew modestly before joining the priesthood.

In 2024, he told Vatican News that he was trying to remain anchored.

“A bishop is not supposed to be a little prince sitting in his kingdom, but rather authentically called to be humble, to be close to the people he serves, to walk with them and to suffer with them,” he said.

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The reaction to the move of Leo was mixed online. Earlier this year, the author James Martin wrote on X: “We must trust the discernment of Pope Leo in this field and all things – and we wish it well in his new excavations!”