Inside grand palace new Pope Leo XIV could live in with major change from Pope Francis
**Pope Leo XIV**, the first American pontiff, faces a major lifestyle choice after his historic election. The 69-year-old former missionary from Chicago must decide whether to reside in the **lavish Apostolic Palace**—home to treasures like the Sistine Chapel—or follow his predecessor **Pope Francis’s humble example** by staying in Vatican guesthousing. Though entitled to a gold ring, a bulletproof popemobile, and a papal salary, Leo’s missionary background suggests he may prioritize simplicity over grandeur.
The Apostolic Palace offers over **1,000 rooms** filled with Renaissance art and private chapels, while the scenic **Castel Gandolfo retreat** provides a quieter alternative. In his first address, Leo emphasized unity, telling cardinals: *”We must announce the Gospel together.”* Observers expect him to mirror Francis’s modest approach, potentially rejecting opulent traditions in favor of a more austere papacy.
