This is sad news for Catholics around the world: Pope Francis died. The death of the Sovereign Pontiff, 88 years old, occurred this April 21, 2025. Wantked up as a simple man, he had made an astonishing choice for his place of residence.
“”Dear brothers and sisters, it is with deep sadness that I must announce the death of our Saint-Father François. At 7.35 am this morning, the bishop of Rome, François, joined the father’s house“Said Cardinal Kevin Farrell on the Vatican television channel.
Pope Francis, whose real name is Jorge Mario Bergoglio, had recently been hospitalized 38 days due to pneumonia before being able to gradually resume his functions. Since his election like Pope, he lived in a particular place.
Pope Francis: this simpler residence of the Vatican where he lived
Pope Francis was elected sovereign pontiff in March 2013 and, very quickly, he imposed his sober style. This is how he had refused to live in the pontifical apartments of the 3rd floor of the apostolic palace – commonly known as Palais du Vatican -, then traditional residence of the Pope of the Catholic Church in office. “”It is not very luxurious but it is huge. I felt like I was in a backward funnel“He said, as the Italian newspaper reports The Stampa.
The Pope, who had assured the press of the time not to want to live alone in this palace because he would not have supported it “psychologically“, had therefore chosen to live elsewhere. Where? Pope Francis lived in the Sainte -Marthe residence – the Casa Santa Marta -, built in the 1990s under John Paul II. A kind of hotel residence located near the Saint-Pierre basilica to welcome visitors to the Vatican.
François had justified his choice to live here “For psychiatric reasons, for my health, to avoid ending badly“. The late Pope considered himself more comfortable at the Sainte-Marthe residence because it also allowed him to be”with people, among people“relates The Stampa.
What was Pope Francis’ apartment looked like?
Within the Sainte-Marthe residence, the Pope lived in the 2010 suite, the most spacious of the establishment; About 70 m² according to a report of the specialized site Cath.ch. Here, the sovereign pontiff could enjoy three rooms: an office, a bedroom and a bathroom. Two rooms had been awarded to its two secretaries as well as an office for its secretariat.
“”Access to the Pope’s residential and work area is prohibited for other visitors to the house, the Swiss guard watches over the head of the Catholic Church“, did not fail to recall the site. In addition, Pope Francis took his meals at the refectory of the establishment and appreciated not being alone.”There are always enough people to chat around“, He said. Like his predecessors, the Pope could also take advantage of the Pontifical Palace of Castel Gandolfo, summer residence of the popes located 20 kilometers from Rome.
