For more than a century, every Pope since Pius X in the early 1900s had resided in the Apostolic Palace—an opulent suite atop Vatican City, boasting over a dozen rooms, a private chapel, and breathtaking views of Rome. But Pope Francis, from the very beginning of his papacy, chose a path unlike any of his predecessors.

Rejecting the grandeur of the traditional papal residence, he opted instead for a modest two-room suite—Suite 201—in the Domus Sanctae Marthae, a simple guesthouse near St. Peter's Basilica. This decision marked a significant break from custom and reflected his deep commitment to humility and community.

Even as the spiritual leader of over a billion Catholics worldwide, Francis preferred to live as an ordinary man among priests. His home spanned just 70 square meters, within a building that housed 120 rooms originally designed to accommodate visiting clergy. Though his suite was protected and secure, the Pope often shared meals in the communal dining hall, embodying a down-to-earth spirit that resonated far beyond the Church.

The Santa Marta guesthouse, first constructed in 1884 and renovated in 1996, became not only his residence but a symbol of his papacy—a papacy grounded in compassion and simplicity. He had stayed there even before becoming Pope, during his visits to Rome as a cardinal, further showing that his choice was not symbolic but sincere.

Through this quiet lifestyle, Pope Francis won admiration from people across religious and cultural lines. His humility wasn’t staged—it was lived. And when he passed away, it was in this very guesthouse, among the community he cherished. Following tradition, the room was solemnly sealed with wax and red ribbon, ending a chapter of remarkable humility and moral leadership.

Now, Santa Marta continues to serve the Church, housing the cardinals who will one day choose the next Pope—perhaps inspired by the legacy of a man who showed that true greatness lies in simplicity.