Pope Francis shuns grand apartment for two rooms

Pope Francis has decided to shun a grand papal apartment on the top floor of the Vatican's Apostolic Palace in favour of a modest two-room residence.

His spokesman said he was "trying out this type of simple living" in a communal building with other priests.

In doing so he has broken a tradition which is more than a century old.

The decision reinforces the newly-elected Pope's austere reputation. As archbishop of Buenos Aires he refused to move into the Bishop's Palace.

Preferring more modest accommodation, he also often cooked his own meals.

I am confused. He is a very smart man with degrees in science. He has a Ph.D. in science. What is going on here? Saint Francis of Assisi helped the poor and preferred to have a simpler life. The pope is following in his foot step.