Photos Show the Pope’s Apartments at the Apostolic Palace

It’s not certain this means the new pope will live in these apartments or choose a more humble abode, as Pope Francis did.

Mural maps cover the corridor leading to the apartments. The area is known as the Third Loggia.

The rooms are spacious, but some areas are not as lavishly decorated as some other parts of the Apostolic Palace.

In 2004, a photographer captured an image of Pope John Paul II praying for victims of the Madrid bombings in this room.

Countless heads of state from Malta, Slovakia, Lebanon, the US, and many other countries have had audiences with the Holy See.

It’s located on the second floor of the palace, the BBC reported in 2013.

These weekly events gave visitors a chance to see the pope.

In addition to the library and chapel, there’s a sitting room, study, bedroom, and medical clinic, according to Getty. They surround the Courtyard of Sixtus V.

In 2005, renovations updated the kitchen and clinic, Catholic News reported at the time.

In 1903, Pope Pius X became the first pontiff to live in the apartments. Many were surprised by Pope Francis’ choice to live in Casa Santa Marta, the Vatican guest house, though it was in keeping with his reputation for humility.

Pope Leo seems to share similar views. Recently, he told Vatican News that a “bishop is not supposed to be a little prince sitting in his kingdom, but rather called authentically to be humble, to be close to the people he serves, to walk with them and to suffer with them.”