Death of the Pope: The last place of residence: Vatican guest house Santa Marta

Pope Francis has lived in the Vatican guest house in Santa Marta not far from St. Peter’sa since his election in 2013. Unlike many predecessors, Francis decided against the apartment prepared for him in the Apostolic Palace. The Domus Sanctae Marthae, according to the official name, is located in the south of the church state and close to the Vatican gardens. Francis had previously inhabited Santa Marta as a cardinal on Rome visits.

His decision, as Pontifex, did not move into the apartment in the Apostolic Palace for a long time, was considered a sign of modesty. A virtue on which the former Archbishop of Buenos Aires always attached great importance. He chose a simple form of living together with other priests and bishops, it said. He wanted to live together with other members of the clergy in a normal and very simple way.

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In the years before his death, the native of Argentine had to make appointments from his place of residence several times because of his stricken health. While some of his respiratory infections in the winter months, he spoke the Angelus prayer, which is otherwise spoken by the window of the Apostolic Palace, via live transmission from the chapel in the Casa Santa Marta. He sometimes also received important guests for audience.

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Santa Marta already served as a guest house for church visitors and cardinals before Franziskus’ moving in, which came there at the conclave, i.e. the pope election. It was founded in 1884, but completely rebuilt in 1996 to meet new requirements. Even after Francis’ death, the cardinals are accommodated in the guest house and completely shielded from the outside world for the time during the compliance.

Francis lived in the simple building complex the approximately 70 square meter Suite number 201. Despite his will to live close to the other residents, the Pope’s rooms were closed to others. For this purpose, common rooms and the dining room for meals were available. Santa Marta is structured like a hotel: there is a reception and lobby and 120 rooms for guests.