Pope Francis to shun luxury papal apartment, for now
March 28, 2013 -- Updated 1206 GMT (2006 HKT)
Pope turns down spacious apartment
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
- Pope Francis has declined to move into the palatial papal apartment
- He's happy to stay for now in a suite at the Vatican hotel, says a Vatican spokesman
- The new pope has adopted a more simple, personal style than his predecessors
The papal apartment on
the top floor of the Apostolic Palace is ready for the new pontiff to
move into, the Rev. Federico Lombardi told CNN on Tuesday.
However, he has decided
to stay at the Casa Santa Marta, the residence where he's been staying
since the papal election two weeks ago, for the time being, Lombardi
said.
He's given no date for when he might move out of the two-room suite, Lombardi added.
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His presence at Casa
Santa Marta, the residence near St. Peter's Basilica where all the
cardinals stayed during the conclave, means Francis will continue to
meet his fellow priests for Mass and other communal activities.
Although he's not moved
in to the apartment, Francis is using the Apostolic Palace, including
offices in his papal apartments, to carry out his papal duties, such as
holding meetings and audiences, Lombardi said.
Francis, the first Jesuit
to assume the papacy, has become widely known for his embrace of
simplicity and humility since he became pope.
He's spoken of his desire
to see the Roman Catholic Church be a "poor church, for the poor," and
his sermons have focused on the need to look after the needy and sick,
as well as the natural world.
Break with tradition
The pope's decision to remain in Casa Santa Marta, at least for now, is in keeping with his track record.
While serving as
archbishop in Buenos Aires, he declined to live in the archbishop's
palace, choosing instead to live in a simple apartment. He also passed
on a chauffeured limousine, preferring to take the bus with ordinary
people, and he cooked his own meals.
He's also bringing this approach to the events of Holy Week, leading up to Easter.
On Thursday, Francis
will break with tradition by celebrating the Mass of the Lord's Supper,
which includes the gesture of the washing of feet, at the Casal del
Marmo youth detention center, the Vatican said last week.
The service has in past years been held at the grand Basilica of St. John Lateran, the official seat of the bishop of Rome.
"In his ministry as
Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Cardinal Bergoglio used to celebrate the
Mass in a prison or hospital or hospice for the poor and marginalized,"
the Vatican said in a statement, using the name Francis used before he
became pope.
"With this celebration at Casal del Marmo, Pope Francis will continue his custom, which is characterized by its humble context."
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