Photos of Pope Francis’ bedroom have shed light on how the late pontiff chose to live during his time as head of the Catholic Church.
Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88 on Easter Monday (April 21), peacefully in the modest residence he had called home for over a decade. The Vatican confirmed his cause of death as a stroke.
Since his burial on Saturday (April 26), people around the world have been reflecting on his legacy—not just as a spiritual leader, but as someone who intentionally distanced himself from the lavish traditions of previous popes.
When Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina was elected pope in March 2013, he quickly stood out as a reformer. Unlike his predecessors, Pope Francis was known for taking progressive stances on global and social issues. He frequently spoke out against war, advocated for environmental responsibility, and criticized laws that discriminated against the LGBTQ+ community.
He approved blessings for same-sex civil unions, welcomed weekly visits from LGBTQ+ groups (often alongside Sister Geneviève Jeanningros), and when asked whether he considered homosexuality a sin, famously responded: “Who am I to judge?”
Francis also made strides toward inclusion within the Church, appointing women to senior roles in the Vatican and naming more cardinals from outside Europe than any pope before him—reflecting his broader vision for a diverse and inclusive church.
His decision-making often disrupted long-standing customs. Not only did he choose to be buried outside the Vatican (a break from tradition), but throughout his papacy, he refused the formal perks of the office. One notable example: he declined his monthly $32,000 papal salary, which would have totaled millions over the years.
As the first Jesuit pope in history, Francis had taken vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience—principles he lived by. Rather than reside in the luxurious Apostolic Palace, he chose instead to live at the Domus Sanctae Marthae, a guesthouse within the Vatican typically used for clergy visitors.
Recent images of his bedroom have resurfaced online, revealing an austere space. The room contained a simple wooden bed, sparse furniture, and just a few religious symbols on the walls. While unadorned, the suite did reportedly include a minibar in the sitting area.
Many on social media were moved by the photos, calling the room a reflection of the pope’s humility. One user commented, “This is what a servant leader’s space looks like. No glamor, no gold, just quiet dignity.” Another added, “Pope Francis truly lived his message. He led by example.”
However, not everyone reacted positively. Some doubted whether the room was truly his, while others described the space as unsettling or reminiscent of a horror movie set.
Explaining his preference for the simpler quarters, Francis once said: “The Apostolic Palace is beautiful and well-appointed, but it’s not where I belong. It’s spacious, but isolated. I can’t live without community.” According to Elle Decor, this desire for connection is why he regularly dined in the shared dining room with others.