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Strict rules for 750 years/ Danger coded within a plate: What do cardinals eat during the conclave?

2025-05-03 18:12:41Lifestyle SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX
Strict rules for 750 years/ Danger coded within a plate: What do cardinals eat
Danger coded inside a plate: What do cardinals eat during the conclave?

For more than 750 years, strict rules have defined what cardinals can and cannot eat to prevent secret messages inside chicken, ravioli or napkins.

This week, cardinals have been spotted in Rome eating at their favorite restaurants. It seems the cardinals are making the most of their mealtimes because the conclave begins on May 7 and the 135 cardinals will be isolated from the world for an indefinite period of time. Voting, sleeping and eating will take place in a secluded space.

Papal conclaves are extremely hermetic. The cardinals sit in a place where no messages come in or out except for smoke signaling how the vote went. What exactly happens in these conclaves is unknown, but one thing is known: the cardinals must be fed during the days or weeks leading up to the selection of the leader of 1.4 billion Catholics.

Historically, food has always been a danger: a cardinal's ravioli could be filled with a secret message from the kitchen staff or a cardinal could inform the outside world with a soiled napkin.

The code of secrecy for conclaves dates back to 1274, when Pope Gregory X established the rules that still govern papal elections today. As with many papal elections, his was controversial. It was also the longest, taking almost three years to reach the two-thirds majority needed to elect a new pope. According to Henricus de Segusio, who served on that conclave, the popes threatened to cut the cardinals’ food rations to hasten the outcome.

Pope Gregory X's new rules included the isolation of the conclave, which is still in effect today, and rationing of the cardinals' food. After 3 days without consensus, the cardinals received only one meal, after 8 days, only bread and water.

In the 1300s, the rules were relaxed by Clement VI, who allowed three meals of soup, a main course of meat, fish or eggs, and a dessert that could contain cheese or fruit. Rationing did not continue, but strict control over conclaves did.

The most detailed history of the conclave's food comes from Bartolomeo Scappi, the most famous chef during the Renaissance period who served Popes Pius IV and Pius V. In his book "Opera Dell'Arte del Cucinare," he reveals the secrets of the food at the conclave that selected Pope Julius III and the extreme supervision that continues today.

According to him, the daily meals for the cardinals were prepared in the common kitchen by chefs and sommeliers, two common roles that allowed the conclave to function. He says the kitchen was a space where forbidden messages could be given and emphasizes that guards were stationed there to prevent this.

Twice a day, according to the drawing of lots, servants ceremonially delivered food to the wheel. This “wheel” built into the wall allowed food and drink to pass to the cardinals on the inner wall. Before passing through the wall, the drinks and food were checked for secret messages. Every step was carefully watched by Italian and Swiss guards.

Food was controlled and nothing was allowed that could hide a message. Pies. A chicken. Wine and water were served in clear glass cups. Napkins were opened and carefully checked. This ensured isolation, but also avoided poisoning because during the Renaissance, the papacy also had political influence.

The meals included fruit, salad, cheese, wine, and fresh water. Each cardinal had his own room decorated with silk and equipped with a bed, table, closet, two stools, a dressing room, etc. According to Scappi, serving in the conclave was not bad if you were not bothered by constant surveillance.

Strict rules for 750 years/ Danger coded within a plate: What do cardinals eat

At the conclave on May 7, the nuns of Santa Marta will prepare the simple dishes typical of Lazio and Abruzzo: soup, spaghetti, lamb skewers and stewed vegetables. The result is the same: the process is strictly supervised to ensure that no information enters or leaves.

Now the Vatican is being searched for hidden electronic devices until the conclave begins, and the cardinals have begun their preparations, flocking to Rome to eat a few hearty meals, perhaps wondering if this will be their last dinner before becoming pope.


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