Pope Leo XIV witnessed the unsealing of the papal apartments, an event symbolizing readiness for a new papal era following the death of Pope Francis. The apartments, sealed after Francis' passing, have not been occupied for a decade due to his decision to reside in a guest house. The future residence of Pope Leo XIV remains unclearâwhether he will adhere to tradition and occupy the Apostolic Palace or continue the humble approach of his predecessor. The rich history of the papal apartments includes meeting rooms for leaders worldwide, emphasizing the pope's role in international relations.
After Pope Francis' death in April, the papal apartments inside the Apostolic Palace were sealed, a ritual that symbolizes the papal throne is empty and secures his personal papers. On Sunday, those seals were removed, perhaps signaling the new pope is ready to move in.
Popes have often met world leaders in the papal library. Countless heads of state from Malta, Slovakia, Lebanon, the US, and many other countries have had audiences with the Holy See.
Pope Leo seems to share similar views. He told Vatican News that a 'bishop is not supposed to be a little prince sitting in his kingdom, but rather called authentically to be humble, to be close to the people he serves, to walk with'.
It's not certain this means the new pope will live in these apartments or choose a more humble abode, as Pope Francis did.
Collection
[
|
...
]