Rare Photos of Pope Francis' Bedroom Go Viral — See Why Everyone's Talking

Photos of the late head of the Catholic Church's private room have surfaced, drawing fresh attention after his recent burial. He once spoke openly about the specific bedroom, offering a rare glimpse into his private world.

Pope Francis was recently buried after facing the longest hospitalization of his 12-year papacy. He was first admitted to the hospital on February 14, 2025 after battling a severe case of pneumonia in both lungs, which threatened his life twice.

The Argentine pontiff, who had lived with chronic lung disease since part of his lung was removed in his youth, was admitted to Gemelli Hospital after a case of bronchitis grew more severe.

Doctors later discovered a complicated infection involving bacteria, viruses, and fungi in his respiratory tract, followed by pneumonia in both lungs. Blood work revealed anemia, low platelet counts, and the early stages of kidney failure, though these conditions improved after he received two blood transfusions.

On February 28, his health declined sharply when a violent coughing fit caused him to inhale vomit, leading to the use of a noninvasive breathing mask. In the days that followed, Pope Francis suffered two additional respiratory emergencies that required doctors to manually remove "copious" mucus from his lungs. To support his breathing overnight, he began using the mask while he slept.

Even with the health scares, the sovereign of the Vatican City State's condition slowly began to turn around. Doctors shared that he stayed conscious, alert, and cooperative throughout his treatment. In the following two weeks, he grew stronger.

He no longer needed the breathing mask at night and was slowly reducing his use of high-flow oxygen during the day. Medical staff mentioned Pope Francis had likely lost weight during the lengthy hospital stay, as he continued to use a wheelchair.

By March 2025, it was confirmed that he would be released after spending five weeks at Gemelli Hospital. His doctor, Dr. Luigi Carbone, remarked:

"The Holy Father is improving, and we hope soon he can resume his normal activity."

Although his release from the hospital brought a wave of hope, it would not last long. Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 inside his residence at the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta.

According to the Vatican's death report, the causes were listed as a cerebral stroke, followed by a coma and "irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse." News of his death spread quickly, drawing a wave of sorrow to the heart of the Vatican. In St. Peter's Square, mourners gathered, holding rosaries and offering prayers for the late pontiff.

One person reportedly stood wrapped in the flag of Argentina, a quiet tribute to his homeland. Some wept openly, while others stared silently at the empty balcony where, just the day before, he had blessed the faithful. Among the grieving crowd, Brigitte Thalhammer shared:

"I am sad. He was very, very important."

The mourning continued in the days that followed, leading to a historic moment for the Church. The 266th leader of the Roman Catholic Church was laid to rest on April 26, 2025, a week after his passing, at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major.

The funeral marked a historic moment, as Pope Francis was laid to rest after a grand farewell attended by 250,000 mourners. His burial was simple and marked a historic shift — he became the first pope in more than a century to be buried outside the Vatican, and the first in over 300 years to be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore.

The farewell ceremonies drew an outpouring of devotion from across the city. At 1 p.m. local time, the rite of entombment began after the funeral service at St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. A four-mile procession through Rome followed, with hundreds of thousands lining the streets and crowding into the basilica to pay their last respects to the late pontiff.

As the mourning quieted, glimpses into his private life captured new attention. Just days after his burial, images of the modest space he called home for 12 years began to surface.

Pope Francis lived in Room 201, a suite made up of three rooms: a small bedroom, an office, and a reception area. Each space featured simple dark wood furniture, with a wooden crucifix hanging behind his desk. The office held four chairs — including one armchair — a plain desk, and a cabinet topped by a colorful image of a saint.

His bedroom was furnished with a single bed, two bedside tables, a large wardrobe, a chest of drawers, and a small chair, with bare walls free of decoration. In the sitting room, a powder blue five-piece sofa set faced a small television resting on a desk nearby.

The images of his simple living quarters stirred strong reactions from many across the world. Supporters praised his unpretentious lifestyle.

One person shared, "For me personally, that's how a pope should live." Another described him as "a very humble man." Some pointed out the size of his space, with one saying, "His bedroom is bigger than my entire apartment."

Another individual commented, "I also have a small apartment." Others admired the simplicity, with one noting, "That's absolutely how it should look."

His decision to live with humility began from the very start of his papacy. Instead of moving into the traditional papal apartment in the Apostolic Palace, Pope Francis chose to stay at Casa Santa Marta, the guesthouse beside St. Peter's Basilica.

He made Room 201 his home. Speaking about the decision in March 2013, the head of the worldwide Catholic Church explained:

"This room where we are now was a guest room. I chose to live here, in Room 201, because when I took possession of the papal apartment, inside myself I distinctly heard a 'no.' The papal apartment in the Apostolic Palace is not luxurious. It is old, tastefully decorated and large, but not luxurious."

His reasons for choosing a simpler home grew even clearer. Describing the Apostolic Palace, he once compared it to an inverted funnel — "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."

Later that morning, after celebrating a 7:00 a.m. Mass with Vatican staff, he confirmed he would remain at Casa Santa Marta. Father Federico Lombardi, director of the Holy See's press office, shared that Pope Francis chose to stay close to the employees living there.

Originally, Pope Francis had been staying at the guesthouse while the papal apartment underwent renovations, which were eventually completed. Even so, he decided not to move, preferring the simple life among others. After the cardinals left following the conclave, he made Room 201 his permanent home.

His decision to live among others stemmed from values that had guided him for years. When asked about his path to joining the Society of Jesus, he explained that he had long searched for something more, though he had not known exactly what it was.

Pope Francis first entered the diocesan seminary and felt drawn to the Dominicans, forming friendships with many of them. However, because the seminary was entrusted to the Jesuits, he became familiar with their way of life and eventually chose the Society of Jesus.

Three qualities stood out to him: a strong missionary spirit, a commitment to community life, and a sense of discipline — something he admitted he personally lacked but admired in others.

The Bishop of Rome shared that managing time effectively impressed him deeply. Above all, he had always sought a community rather than a solitary path. His need for a shared life was clear, and he pointed to his choice to remain at Santa Marta as a living example of that desire.

That deep humility shaped how he saw himself. When asked during an interview, "Who is Jorge Mario Bergoglio?" he answered, "I am a sinner." He reflected further, saying he was someone "looked upon by the Lord," a truth captured in his motto, "Miserando atque Eligendo" — "By having mercy and by choosing him."

Pope Francis spent his final years living as he always had — close to the people and far from extravagance. His decision to remain in Casa Santa Marta reflected a lifelong desire for simplicity and community.

Even in death, the humble details of his private life left a deep impression on those who mourned him. His words about mercy, belonging, and service continue to echo through the Church he once led. Though he is gone, the legacy of his quiet strength and humanity remains firmly in place.