Pope Leo XIV, known for his active and athletic lifestyle, is preparing to move into the Apostolic Palace soon, but he is breaking with some traditions. Instead of occupying the historic papal apartments—uninhabited for more than 13 years since the election of Pope Francis, who preferred the simple Casa Santa Marta—the Pontiff has opted for a more discreet and functional residence: an attic or loft in the upper part of the palace.

This decision marks a return to the Apostolic Palace after a long absence, albeit with a renewed focus on  privacy, simplicity, and personal well-being . The renovations have recently been completed, and the move appears imminent. Italian sources, such as  La Repubblica  and other Vatican media outlets, have detailed the main features of this new space, which reflects the Pope’s practical and sporty nature.

A space adapted to the sporty Pope

That Leo XIV was a  sporty Pope  is common knowledge. Even during his time as a cardinal, he frequented gyms and tennis courts in Rome. In particular, he used to play tennis on the court of the Augustinian Curia, near the Vatican, at least once a week. An Augustinian friar described him as “a very good player” who practiced the sport for his health, to relieve stress, and for the simple pleasure of playing.

This passion has not disappeared during his pontificate. The Pope himself has confessed that, during his usual days of rest in Castel Gandolfo—which he religiously visits every Tuesday—he takes the opportunity to disconnect by combining reading, prayer, and physical activity: “ A little bit of swimming… Yes, yes. I believe that, to truly take good care of themselves, everyone should do a little physical activity, along with the soul, all together… it does a lot of good . ” He also includes tennis and swimming in the papal villa’s pool, which was renovated in recent times.

Therefore,  a gym was a must in his new apartment . According to descriptions, it’s a space located on one side of the palace, overlooking the circular building of the IOR (the Institute for the Works of Religion, or Vatican Bank). This detail is not surprising: exercise is an integral part of his routine for taking care of his body, mind, and spirit.

Features of the penthouse: privacy and cohabitation

The apartment is located in the  attic  , between the third loggia (from where the Pope appears on Sundays for the Angelus) and the roof of the Apostolic Palace. Unlike traditional papal bedrooms—whose windows overlooked St. Peter’s Square and allowed one to discern the Pontiff’s presence by the light on—this new residence faces an  interior courtyard , prioritizing security and privacy.

• There will be no private bathroom inside the Pope’s room; it is accessed from the hallway.
• The decor is predominantly understated: white colors, basic furniture in a commercial and functional style.
• It includes a small chapel and access to the rooftop, where John Paul II ordered the installation of a replica of the Grotto of Lourdes for prayer.
• There are additional rooms available for guests or collaborators.
• The Pope will live with his two trusted personal secretaries: Fathers  Edgard Iván Rimaycuna  (Peruvian) and  Marco Billeri  (Italian), for whom specific rooms have been set up.

Since his election, Leo XIV has continued to reside in his cardinal’s apartment in the building of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (formerly the Holy Office), a practical and communal place that he already frequented.

A symbolic and practical change

The return to the Apostolic Palace—even if to a discreet attic—contrasts with Francis’s choice and revives a long-interrupted tradition. However, the selection of this elevated and less visible space, along with the inclusion of a gymnasium and close interaction with his secretaries, reflects a pontificate that seeks to balance Petrine service with a healthy, simple, and communal lifestyle.

While Romans and tourists have seen a large crane on the facade of the Apostolic Palace for months due to renovations, soon the light indicating the papal presence could come from a different window: not the traditional one facing the square, but towards the interior, symbolizing a more reserved but equally active papacy… also in sports.