Papal apartments, Papal residence on third floor of Apostolic Palace, Vatican City
The Papal Apartments are a private residential complex on the third floor of the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City. The ten-room suite includes a vestibule, private study, bedroom, medical facilities, dining room, living area, kitchen, and a rooftop garden with views over the grounds.
These chambers served as the official papal residence from the 17th century onward for successive pontiffs. In 2013, Pope Francis chose to live elsewhere, marking a significant departure from centuries of tradition.
The windows of these chambers overlook Saint Peter's Square where pilgrims gather below. From here, one can observe how this residence connects to the daily spiritual life of the Church.
Access to this private residence is not available to the general public as it remains a completely sealed residential space. Only those with special permission or participating in exclusive Vatican tours may view certain exterior elements or learn about the layout from official guides.
Pope Benedict XVI moved back into these chambers after his retirement in 2013 rather than leaving them entirely. This unexpected development meant a living former pope inhabited the traditional papal residence for the first time in modern history.
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