A rare glimpse of Pope Francis’s bedroom reveals how the pontiff lived: It's not what you'd expect

Pope Francis who headed the Roman Catholic Church and the sovereign of the Vatican City State from March 2013 to April 2025, was popular amongst people for his choice of simplicity in being and living. The late Pope was known for his humility and acceptance of all, regardless of their background. Many followers of Christianity regarded him as one of the most admirable leaders to have ever headed the Church.

Pope Francis took his last breath at the age of 88 on April 21st, 2025 at the Domus Sanctae Marthae in the Vatican City. His death was announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell and the reason was revealed to be a stroke and heart failure. His funeral was held on April 26th, in St Peter's Square and was attended by thousands of people from across the globe.

After the Pope's death people have been remembering him through his teachings and acts. Pope Francis was one of the most humble Popes to ever have graced the church. He was kind to all, preferred to live in simplicity but was vocal about his thoughts on vital matters such as wars, climate change and the LGBTQ community.

One of the most exemplary qualities of Pope Francis was his avoidance of luxury. His most famous act of simplicity was the change he brought in the papal funeral laws which were known for their elaborateness and pomp. Rather than the three-tiered caskets, Pope Francis chose a single wooden coffin. He also chose to be buried outside St. Peter's Basilica and in Santa Maria Maggiore. Both of these acts were testimonies to him avoiding the vocalness of luxury and following the humbleness of religion and devotion.

Francis who was born as Jorge Mario Bergoglio took various steps to make the church an inclusive space, such as promoting women to high-ranking positions and appointing more non-European cardinals.
However, what not many are aware of is the fact that Pope Francis opted out of his $32,000 per month salary and ate his meals in the communal dining room. He was the first-ever Jesuit Pope in history and as a Jesuit pope he took an oath of poverty, chastity and obedience to Christ.

Traditionally, popes are provided official residence in the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican city which has over 1,000 rooms spread across 1.7 million square feet. However, Pope Francis lived in the Domus Sanctae Marthae which is a guest house in the Vatican. After his death, the photographs of his bedroom have resurfaced and are reminding people of his life of modesty.
Pope Francis's room consisted of a single wooden bed with minimal furnishings such as a lamp and a telephone. His study consisted of a simple table with a few chairs and a cross on the wall. His sitting room, though, did consist of a minibar.
When asked about why he chose to not live in the palace, Pope Francis said, "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," reported Elle Décor.
People all over the internet have been raving about the Pope and his way of life, commending that his bedroom speaks of his character.
"Pope Francis was a Jesuit priest and the first one to become Pope. He, like other Jesuits, are sworn to simplicity & boy, did he set a great example of that. God help the next priest to take the seat of Saint Peter. The comparison will be tough," wrote a person on X. "This is what we are called to—a Life of honest radical simplicity ❤️🕯️🕊️" added another.
"Pope Francis was a true believed. He practiced what he preached," a user wrote.
"It seems he was so down to earth man."
Pope Francis taught the world a better way to live not only with his words and acts but with his entire life and being, thus being one of the most respected popes of the church.