Pope plans to live in Vatican workers' residence

Vatican City, Mar 26, 2013 / 09:06 am

Pope Francis said this morning he will stay at Saint Martha's residence instead of moving to the Apostolic Palace, according to the Vatican press office.

"After the Mass ended this morning, the Pope told those present that he intends to remain in the Casa Santa Marta and stay with the employees," said the Holy See's press office director, Father Federico Lombardi.

His comments came after a 7:00 a.m. Mass that he has been celebrating each day at the residence for Vatican staff who live in some of the rooms during the year.

Pope Francis has been staying at the residence instead of the papal apartment because of renovations that were taking place there. According to the Associated Press, those updates have been completed and the apartment is ready for the Pope to move in.

During the conclave, the year-round residents moved out for the cardinals to stay there. After the cardinals elected Pope Francis, they returned to their homes and the Pope moved into the residency's papal suite, room 201.

He has invited street-sweepers, Vatican gardeners, the residency's staff and the Vatican newspaper's staff to take part in the daily Mass.

The seals of the papal apartment have been removed, but the Argentinian Pope will remain in St. Martha's residence for the time being.

Fr. Lombardi did not say if the Pope will move out in the future.

When he was in Buenos Aires, Pope Francis lived in a small apartment, instead of the grand archbishop's residence.

For years, he cooked his own meals and traveled on public transport around the city.