Papal Conclave: What food is served to cardinals during the election of new pope at Vatican? All you may want to know

During the secretive papal conclave at the Vatican, Catholic cardinals gather inside the Sistine Chapel. While their surroundings are grand, their meals are intentionally modest. These food practices follow centuries-old traditions focused on secrecy and security.

Simple Meals

Cardinals in the conclave eat at the cafeteria in Casa Santa Marta. Their meals include spaghetti, boiled vegetables, minestrone soup and lamb skewers. Reports mention that the food is very basic.

Cardinal Mauro Piacenza, from Italy, compared the food to what one might find at a train station. Other cardinals described bland pasta and thin sauce. Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi said the meals were not satisfying. Pope Francis has supported serving plain food in Vatican cafeterias. This continues during the conclave.

Food Rules

The Vatican takes strict measures to control the food. Officials worry that meals could carry messages from the outside. Because of this, some foods are banned or inspected.

In the past, whole chickens, stuffed ravioli, pies and rigatoni were not allowed. These dishes were seen as ways to send hidden messages.

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Nuns Prepare Meals

The food is prepared by nuns at Domus Sanctae Marthae. This is the residence where the cardinals stay. The nuns have taken vows of secrecy, just like the cardinals.

Their job is to cook and deliver food while keeping all details confidential. The goal is to avoid any leaks during the election process.

Food Restrictions History

Food safety and secrecy have been important for centuries. In 1274, Pope Gregory X created early food rules for conclaves. These included inspections of glassware, napkins and even waste.

At the time, cardinals feared poisoning. Food restrictions also helped shorten long conclaves. When sessions dragged on, food rations were reduced to encourage faster decisions.

Meals were delivered through rotating compartments in the wall, after several checks by Vatican guards.

Conclave Duration and Process

The current conclave started on Wednesday. Most recent conclaves last about three days. The 2013 conclave that selected Pope Francis took only two days.

FAQs

Why are the cardinals served simple food during the conclave?
Simple food reduces risks of secret communication or tampering. It also continues Pope Francis’s practice of humble meals.

Who prepares the food for the cardinals during the conclave?
Nuns from the Vatican dormitory prepare all meals after taking a vow of secrecy.