Pope in no hurry to move into apostolic palace

March 26, 2013

Pope Francis has no immediate plans to move into the papal apartments on the 3rd floor of the apostolic palace, the director of the Vatican press office has disclosed.

Since his election, Pope Francis has been staying in a modest suite of rooms in the Domus Sanctae Marthae, the Vatican residence where the cardinals were housed during the papal conclave. The new Pope had been expected to stay there until renovations were completed on the papal apartments.

However, Pope Francis has indicated that he prefers simpler accommodations, and expressed surprise at the size of the papal apartments. So although the renovations are nearly completed, the Pope has decided to remain in the Domus Sanctae Marthae “for now,” Father Federico Lombardi reported.

Pope Francis has been celebrating Mass each morning in the little chapel of the Domus Sanctae Marthae, with different groups of Vatican workers and guests in the congregation. On Tuesday, March 26, the congregation was composed of people who were temporarily staying in the Vatican residence.

 

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Further information:

• Pope: Open you hearts to the sweetness of God’s forgiveness (Vatican Radio)