Francis still shuns papal quarters
The former Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio of Argentina is still living in the Domus Santa Martha, a modern hotel-style residence inside the Vatican City where he stayed during the conclave that elected him on Mar 13.
Although the papal apartments in the Apostolic Palace — which consist of more than a dozen rooms as well as quarters for staff and a terrace — are available, he shows no desire to move in any time soon, Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi said.
In the past few days, Francis has moved out of a single room in the residence, which has some 130 rooms, into a suite so he could have more space to work and to receive people, Lombardi said.
He has set a more austere tone for the papacy than his predecessor, Benedict XVI, who gained a reputation for sumptuous costumes. Lombardi said Francis enjoys the residence’s community atmosphere, where he lives alongside other clergy.
The Pope says Mass in its chapel every morning and invites Vatican workers and other guests to attend.
