Domus Sanctae Marthae

The Domus Sanctae Marthae (Latin for Saint Martha's House; Italian: Casa Santa Marta) is a building adjacent to St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. In 2013, Pope Francis chose it as his residence instead of using the usual papal apartment in the Vatican Apostolic Palace. History The Domus Sanctae Marthae was originally a care facility for the sick, established by Pope Leo XIII in 1881 during a cholera outbreak in Rome. Later, during World War II, Pope Pius XII used it as a refuge for Jews and diplomats. In 1996, Pope John Paul II designated it as a residence for cardinals during the conclave, along with the Sistine Chapel. References Other websites