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Pope Leo XIV Revives Tradition with Luxurious Vatican Move

3/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

Pope Leo XIV moved into the refurbished papal apartment in the Vatican's Apostolic Palace on March 14, 2026.
The move contrasts with Pope Francis, who preferred a simpler lifestyle in the Santa Marta residence.
The apartment remained vacant during Francis' 12-year papacy.
The apartment underwent extensive renovations.
Conservative commentators praised the move as restoring traditional papal respect, noting his prior modest life in the Palazzo del Sant’Uffizio.

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Story summary

Pope Leo XIV moved into the refurbished papal apartment in the Vatican's Apostolic Palace on March 14, 2026.
The move contrasts with Pope Francis, who preferred a simpler lifestyle in the Santa Marta residence.
The apartment remained vacant during Francis' 12-year papacy.
The apartment underwent extensive renovations.
Conservative commentators praised the move as restoring traditional papal respect, noting his prior modest life in the Palazzo del Sant’Uffizio.