Vatican rents out 15th century guest house to hotel

The Vatican is giving up its traditional guest house in the center of Rome: The "Domus Paul VI" in Via della Scrofa, previously accommodation for cardinals, bishops and priests at moderate prices, will be converted into a four-star hotel in future.

The 15th century building will be leased to a private company for 30 years. The Holy See is to receive around five million euros a year for this, the Roman daily newspaper "Il Messaggero" reported on Monday.

According to the Vatican, the main reason for the decision is economic considerations. A necessary renovation would have required investments of up to 60 million euros. A sum that the Vatican could not afford. Instead, the decision was made to rent it out on a long-term basis. The proceeds are to be used to secure accommodation for clergy in other church buildings; the staff will also be deployed elsewhere, it was said.

The Domus gained particular notoriety in 2013 when the newly elected Pope Francis appeared in person at the reception to pay his bill by credit card - a picture that was published worldwide.

The conversion of the guest house into a hotel is now causing debate, partly because Pope Francis has repeatedly criticized the use of church properties for commercial purposes. The Vatican, however, points to economic sustainability as the decisive factor.

SDA