Pope Francis resided in the Casa de Santa Marta, which had a modest living room with wooden furniture and blue velvet-covered armchairs, an office, and a room with a wooden single bed. During his stay, the residence complied with all the security measures of the Vatican, allowing the Pontiff to have lunch in the common dining room and celebrate masses in the chapel, accompanied by ecclesiastical workers, diplomatic representatives, and other visitors.
After being elected Supreme Pontiff in 2013, Pope Francis chose to live in the Casa de Santa Marta instead of the traditional papal apartment at the Apostolic Palace, thus showing a more austere lifestyle and maintaining greater closeness to the clergy. His room in the Casa de Santa Marta was on the second floor of the building.
In the coming days, St. Peter's Basilica will host 133 cardinals under the age of 80 to elect the successor of Pope Francis. The conclave will begin on Wednesday, May 7, in the Sistine Chapel, with the participation of 71 Catholic representatives from 23 Latin American countries.
The Casa de Santa Marta, where Pope Francis resided, will host the cardinals during the conclave. This space, built in 1996 during the papacy of John Paul II, offers comfortable and modern conditions for the cardinals during such events. Before its construction, the land was used as a hospice and hospital for pilgrims.
The building of the Casa de Santa Marta consists of five levels and houses 129 rooms, including 106 single suites, 22 double rooms, and an apartment. Additionally, it features a chapel, a dining room, meeting rooms, and all the necessary amenities for extended stays. In the past, this place has served as a refuge for the sick during epidemics and as a shelter for the displaced due to world wars.
