Pope Leo XIV is preparing to move into the papal apartment of the Apostolic Palace later this year, but unlike his predecessors, he will not live there alone.
According to Italian newspaper La Repubblica, the Pope intends to bring along several Augustinian Friars, in keeping with his commitment to maintaining the communal lifestyle of his religious order.
Although the decision has not yet been formally announced, renovations are underway on the third floor of the Apostolic Palace to accommodate the Pope and his housemates.
Ten rooms, including the papal study used for the Sunday Angelus, the Pope’s bedroom, a reception hall, and a private chapel, have already been refurbished. Renovation delays, caused by long-standing dampness and plumbing issues in the apartment, have pushed back the date of the Pope’s move.
The plan is to create a small community of three or four Augustinian friars, most likely those already serving in the papal sacristy, including friars from Italy, the Philippines, and Nigeria.
Pope Leo, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, has reportedly continued to share meals with them regularly since his election in May, a sign of his determination to remain close to his order’s traditions.
“An Augustinian cannot renounce community life, not even as Pope,” La Repubblica quoted. Leo himself has told his confreres: “My life has changed, but I will never give up being an Augustinian.”
Past pontiffs have approached residence in the Apostolic Palace differently. St. John Paul II lived there with his longtime secretary, Benedict XVI surrounded himself with consecrated lay women and a personal aide, and Francis opted for the simpler Casa Santa Marta guesthouse.
Pope Leo, however, is set to leave his mark by reintroducing a communal spirit to the papal residence.
By Sunny A. David, Awka
