After the death of Pope Francis, several fascinating details about his life at the Vatican have come to light. One of the most striking is where he chose to live during his 12 years as pontiff: a simple room that has surprised the world.
Pope Francis’ Final Residence: Room 201 at Casa Santa Marta
Unlike his predecessors, who lived in the luxurious Papal Apartments inside the Apostolic Palace, Pope Francis decided to stay at Casa Santa Marta, a Vatican guesthouse that usually hosts clergy and visitors. There, he occupied Room 201 — a modest space that perfectly embodied his vision of a Church rooted in simplicity and closeness to the people.
The room was small and furnished with only the essentials: a single bed, a wooden desk, a crucifix, an image of Saint Joseph, and a small statue of Our Lady of Luján, the patron saint of Argentina. A window overlooked the Vatican gardens, and a small reading lamp and a tiny fridge for storing yerba mate and basic food completed the setup.
Francis chose this space because he didn’t want to live isolated in the grand Apostolic Palace. His Jesuit background, which emphasizes community living and humility, heavily influenced this decision. Instead of eating alone, he preferred to share breakfasts and lunches with priests and Vatican staff.
Following his death on April 21, 2025, Room 201 was sealed according to the protocol marking the beginning of the sede vacante. His choice to live simply remains one of the most powerful symbols of his legacy of humility and accessibility.
A Simple Life Amid the Grandeur of the Vatican
Traditionally, popes have resided in the Papal Apartments — a sprawling, ornate space filled with Renaissance frescoes, marble floors, velvet drapes, private audience halls, libraries, chapels, and full-service staff quarters. Everything in the Apostolic Palace is designed to reflect the gravity and solemnity of the papal office.
Pope Francis’ decision to live at Casa Santa Marta broke with centuries of tradition. While the Papal Apartments represent formality and separation, Casa Santa Marta offered a communal, down-to-earth environment, much more in line with his interpretation of the Church’s mission.
Pope Francis’ humble room — so minimalistic and austere — perfectly mirrored his personal values: rejecting luxury and embracing a Church that walks alongside its people. In life and even in death, his everyday choices spoke louder than grand declarations.
This article was originally written in Spanish by Alan Cruz in Cultura Colectiva.
