[2] The medieval tower is located along an ancient wall built by Pope Nicholas III, but it fell into disuse at the beginning of the 16th century.

[3] In modern times, the Tower houses papal apartments used by popes when maintenance work is being done on the Apostolic Palace and also is reserved for illustrious guests of the Pontiffs.

[4] In 1979, Pope John Paul II temporarily moved into Torre San Giovanni while the work in his official apartment was being completed.

[7] In June 2008, the Vatican announced that Pope Benedict XVI would welcome U.S. President George W. Bush in the Torre San Giovanni during the American President's visit to the Vatican that month, to repay Bush for the warm reception the Pope enjoyed at the White House during his April 2008 visit to the United States of America.

[1] Normally the Pope greets heads of state in his private library in the Apostolic Palace.