As the papal conclave commences, cardinals are sequestered in the Vatican and must transition from dining in local restaurants to a more modest cafeteria dining experience. During this period, they will be served meals inspired by Italy's Lazio and Abruzzo regions, symbolizing a humble ethos of the Catholic Church. This strict dining arrangement not only limits outside interaction but also aims to prevent any risk of illicit communication during the election process, where confidentiality is paramount until the new pope is elected.
Historically, meal time during the conclave was a hotbed of forbidden communication. A cardinal's butternut squash ravioli could be stuffed with a secret message.
Once those doors close and the conclave officially begins, it's cafeteria dining for the cardinals until we see that white smoke signal.
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