Pope Leo XIV’s visit from June 6 to 9 has sparked interest in what will be his home during his stay in Madrid. The Apostolic Nunciature, that is, the Holy See’s embassy, not only serves as a diplomatic mission but has also served as a residence for various popes since the headquarters were moved to this building in 1958, during the pontificate of Pius XII; thus, the avenue on which it is located was named after this pope.
The move addressed a dual need. On the one hand, to vacate the former Nuncio’s Palace in Madrid de los Austrias, a Baroque building in the historic center that had become outdated for the demands of a modern embassy in terms of accessibility, security, and functionality. On the other hand, to provide the Holy See with a contemporary diplomatic headquarters in a new urban hub of the capital, in Chamartín, with better road connections and more space to combine offices, reception areas, and the nuncio’s residence within a single complex specifically designed for that purpose.
A building designed for ceremony… and discretion
The new Nunciature, designed by the architects Heredero, Malumbre, and Sobrini and built by the Huarte company, was officially inaugurated by Nuncio Ildebrando Antoniutti, who had already taken up residence as the first occupant of the modern headquarters.
Externally, the building’s appearance and design closely reflect the aesthetic of the new official buildings constructed at the time: light-colored volumes, a perimeter garden, access control, and an aesthetic closer to that of a contemporary embassy than a historic palace. This exterior discretion extends to the interior as well, with a layered layout: a ground floor and work areas where administrative activity is concentrated, and a main floor where official receptions take place and where the main halls and the residence of the nuncio and his most distinguished guests are located.
Unlike other representative buildings of the Holy See in Madrid, such as the Baroque-style Pontifical Basilica of San Miguel—which is attached to the Nunciature and used for solemn liturgical ceremonies—the diplomatic headquarters does not aim to be a tourist destination, but rather a place with controlled access. There are no guided tours or public access, and the images that emerge are usually limited to specific receptions or official photos of agreements being signed.
Although detailed floor plans are not released for security reasons, historical descriptions of the former Nunciature and other similar residences provide a sense of its layout. The layout centers around a large perimeter corridor, with offices lining the inner courtyard and a succession of rooms that transition from the most formal to the most intimate as one moves through them. The work areas house the Chancery, the Secretariat, and the Collection Office—departments responsible for processing dispensations, appointments, pardons, and all the bureaucracy that links Rome with the Spanish dioceses.
On the walls, it is common in this type of residence to find portraits of popes, framed maps and documents, as well as crucifixes and small altars that remind us that, unlike other embassies, here diplomacy and the religious dimension go hand in hand.
The residential area: the Pope’s “home”
In the most private part of the building lies the residence of the apostolic nuncio and the rooms reserved for high-ranking guests, such as the Pope during his stay in Madrid. This area—accessible only to a very small circle of people—includes the master bedroom, a small living room, a private office, a dining room, and, in some cases, a private chapel where the nuncio can celebrate daily Mass.
Accounts of former nunciatures in Madrid describe austere interiors, where functionality and simplicity are prioritized over ostentatious luxury: classic furniture, wood or marble floors, neutral colors, and discreet yet omnipresent religious décor. It is likely that the same criteria were maintained at Pius XII’s Nunciature.
