Photos of Pope Francis’ bedroom have provided insight into the late pontiff’s lifestyle.
Pope Francis passed away at 88 on Easter Monday (April 21) in his papal residence, where he had lived for 12 years. The Vatican confirmed his death was due to a stroke.
Following the grand funeral on Saturday (April 26), it became evident that Pope Francis preferred a modest lifestyle, contrasting with past popes.
Indeed, Pope Francis was seen as a progressive figure since his election as the head of the Catholic Church in March 2013, often addressing global conflicts, advocating for climate change awareness, and opposing anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.
To reflect his stance, he supported blessings for same-sex civil unions and regularly met with Sister Genevieve Jeanningros and LGBTQ+ community members. His famous remark, “Who am I to judge?” was a response to questions about homosexuality being a sin.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, also sought reforms within the church, promoting women to higher-ranking roles in the Vatican and appointing more non-European cardinals than his predecessors in pursuit of a more inclusive church.
Even in death, he defied norms by choosing to be buried outside the Vatican, reflecting his tendency to break from tradition.
Many are unaware that the late pontiff declined his $32,000 monthly papal salary, foregoing potential earnings in the millions.
As a Jesuit, he adhered to vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience to Christ, thus rejecting a lavish lifestyle. He was notably the first Jesuit pope in history.
Consistent with his simple living philosophy, Pope Francis chose to reside in the Domus Sanctae Marthae, a modest church guest house, rather than the opulent Apostolic Palace, a decision that surprised many within the Vatican.
Recent images have surfaced depicting his sparse bedroom, featuring a single wooden bed and minimal decorations.
While his suite was plain, with only a few crosses on the walls, he reportedly had a mini-bar in the sitting room.
People reacted to the images, noting that the room reflected the pontiff’s dedication to Christ and his humble nature.
“This is what a servant leader’s quarters look like,” one Twitter user commented. “No pretense. No gold chandeliers. No ostentatious displays, no personal accolades, just simple dignity.”
“Pope Francis was a true believer. He practiced what he preached,” another added.
A third person remarked: “It seems he was so down to earth man.”
However, some expressed skepticism about the authenticity of the images, with a few suggesting the room appeared eerie, reminiscent of a scene from The Exorcist.
Explaining his choice for a simple residence rather than the palace, the pope once stated, “The residence in the Apostolic Palace is tastefully decorated and large, but not luxurious. It is big and spacious, but the entrance is really tight.”
“People can come only in dribs and drabs, and I cannot live without people. I need to live my life with others,” as reported by Elle Decor.
In keeping with his communal spirit, he took his meals in the shared dining area.