The Conclave's Secret: What Food Will the Cardinals Who Choose the Pope Eat.

The traditional rules of diet for cardinals during the conclave have been preserved for over 750 years. It is well known that cardinals cannot eat ravioli, napkins, and chickens, as these could be used for secretly transmitting messages. All details of the process of electing the Pope remain a secret, but one thing is certain - cardinals must eat throughout the process of choosing the new head of the Roman Catholic Church.

The upcoming conclave will start on May 7th, and the cardinals will reside at the Casa di Santa Marta. Their food will be prepared solely by nuns, and the dishes will be simple, typical of the Lazio and Abruzzo regions - minestrone, spaghetti, lamb skewers, and boiled vegetables. The cooking process is monitored to ensure complete absence of information leaks. Just before the conclave begins, the Vatican will be checked for hidden electronic devices, and the cardinals may stroll around Rome and enjoy their favorite dishes.

Historically, food during the conclave has been considered a potential threat. A cook could hide a message in the food, and a cardinal could send a message on a napkin. Shared meals could also be a place for secret negotiations. Control over food during the conclave is used in films and is associated with an atmosphere of intrigue and suspicion.

The ancient rules of dining during the conclave were very strict. Dishes were prepared by chefs and sommeliers in a common kitchen and then delivered through a window with rotating elements, through which food was passed to the cardinals. Moreover, the food was tested by tasters for any hidden messages. In the cells where the cardinals lived, all necessary facilities were available, and the food itself was also exquisite - salads, fruits, cold cuts, wine, and fresh water.

These rules of dining during the conclave are still upheld today. This ensures complete isolation of the cardinals and reduces the risk of poisoning. During the upcoming conclave, the cardinals will continue to eat according to ancient traditions.

The President of France, Emmanuel Macron, recently intervened in the process of electing the new head of the Catholic Church, which became a significant episode in the history of the Vatican.