While he has a Palace fit for a Pope, Holy Father Francis is much happier in more simple surroundings, and has decided not to move into the Papal apartments but instead live at the Domus Sanctae Marthae, commonly known as the Vatican “hotel.”
Unlike previous Popes, Francis does not have household staff and domestics. He also says the Papal apartments are too big for him to live alone. It is not the first time this Holy man has opted for simplicity. As cardinal-archbishop of Buenos Aires, Jorge Bergoglio gave up the house that came with the position for a simple apartment. He also did most of his own cooking. Now he is bringing his simplicity to the Holy See. First he gets on the bus with the Cardinals, then he pays his own hotel bill, while also remembering to cancel his newspaper subscription in Buenos Aires. Now he is choosing to live in simplicity. He has a simple study which he will use to carry out his daily duties.
According to the Vatican, as Pontiff, Francis wants his living arrangements to be marked by “simplicity and sharing.” He is even taking his meals with the Domus’ residents and guests. Certainly suddenly finding yourself joining the Pope for dinner is a blessing no one could possibly imagine. It seems a trip to Rome may never be the same again. Who knows you might just encounter the Holy Father grocery shopping for the poor, or visiting the homeless. Later today he is washing the feet of prisoners.
