SIMON Cowell has snapped up a £15million home near the Pope.

The X Factor boss and girlfriend Lauren Silverman’s new seven-bed mansion is close to the official Papal residence in West London.

Previous pontiffs have been spotted there on a break from the Vatican.

Cowell was once named as more famous than God in a poll of under-tens.

And a source said: “He finds it hilarious that he might bump into Pope Francis.”

Simon, 59, was keen to move out of central London after two break-ins, including a stalker hiding in his walk-in wardrobe in 2012.

He and Lauren, 41, also wanted a place away from flight paths amid concerns about air pollution for son, Eric, four.

The couple will spend another £1.3million on renovations.

The source added: “Lauren has hired a team of interior designers to make it super-light, clean and minimalist.”