The Pope is officially located in Vatican City, the smallest independent state in the world, which is an enclave within Rome, Italy
. His official residence is the Apostolic Palace (also known as the Papal Palace or Vatican Palace), a large complex within Vatican City that contains the papal apartments, offices, chapels, and museums
. Traditionally, the Pope lives in the Papal Apartments on the top floor of the Apostolic Palace. These apartments include a bedroom, private study, chapel, dining room, and other facilities
. The Pope usually resides here for most of the year, except for summer months when he may stay at the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo outside Rome
. However, the most recent Pope, Pope Francis (who served until April 2025), chose not to live in the Papal Apartments. Instead, he lived in the Domus Sanctae Marthae, a guesthouse within Vatican City near St. Peter’s Basilica. This guesthouse is more modest and functions as a residence for clergy visiting the Vatican. Pope Francis preferred this simpler accommodation reflecting his lifestyle
. In summary:
- The Pope's official location is Vatican City.
- The traditional official residence is the Apostolic Palace within Vatican City.
- The Papal Apartments inside the Apostolic Palace are the usual living quarters.
- Pope Francis lived in the Domus Sanctae Marthae guesthouse instead of the Papal Apartments.
Thus, the Pope is located in Vatican City, primarily within the Apostolic Palace complex, though the exact living quarters may vary by pope
