The conclave's culinary offerings have been critiqued by participants, with descriptions ranging from "food you could eat at a train station" to bland vegetables, reflecting Pope Francis' ethos of humility and simplicity.
Culinary Simplicity: Cardinals Feast on Basic Fare During Conclave
Culinary Simplicity: Cardinals Feast on Basic Fare During Conclave
As cardinals gather to select the next pope, their dining experience at the Vatican guesthouse raises eyebrows.
The cardinals convening at the Vatican for the conclave to choose the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church are preparing for a culinary experience that may not inspire much excitement. Cardinal Mauro Piacenza, a veteran of the conclave process, quipped that the fare available at Casa Santa Marta, the guesthouse where they will stay, resembles "food you could eat at a train station." This comparison encompasses plates of pasta drenched in "watery sauce," unremarkable cutlets, and basic salads.
The atmosphere at Santa Marta is equally uninspiring, characterized by its utilitarian furniture, pale green columns, and an odd collection of artwork, including depictions of Pope Francis as a Jedi knight from “Star Wars.” Despite its lack of charm, many clergy members crave a reservation at Santa Marta due to its historical significance as a former home to Pope Francis. In fact, the pope often dined in the cafeteria, sitting near a window until health concerns led him to take his meals in his room.
The culinary choices made available at the conclave have sometimes been attributed to Pope Francis himself, who is well-known for advocating simplicity and humility. Many cardinals have noted a downturn in meal quality, pointing to bland vegetables and uninspired pastas, often leftovers from gifts intended for the pope, such as a box of dates from the Middle East.
Across the board, there appears to be a consensus regarding the unremarkable food. Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi of Italy, who supports Pope Francis, admitted, "You don't eat very well," while Cardinal Gerhard Ludwig Müller of Germany, who was dismissed by the pope, offered a matching sentiment, stating simply, "It’s not so good." It seems, however, that culinary excellence is not a priority for the cardinals as they settle in for what is, at its core, a significant spiritual undertaking rather than a gastronomic one.
