The College of Cardinals is preparing to soon convene in the papal conclave. It really is surprising and heartening to see Pope Francis’s influence on these Vatican traditions, evident and pronounced! He resides in an austere suite at Santa Marta. By refusing to relocate to the lavish papal apartments in the Apostolic Palace, he sets aside more than 100 years of tradition. He is a resident of Room 201. This decision reflects his desire to model simplicity and humility as the cardinals meet to choose a new pope.
The conclave promises to be one of the largest ever with 133 of the 135 eligible cardinals. Along the way, they will participate in a highly intentional process steeped in ritual and tradition. With a two-thirds majority of 89 votes needed to elect a new pontiff, the cardinals will cast their ballots marked “Eligo in Summum Pontificem,” or “I elect as Supreme Pontiff.” Yet even as the international food dialog has taken root, one aspect of Pope Francis’s menu selections has raised eyebrows—especially over just how humble they are.
A Shift in Living Arrangements
Pope Francis seems to have made a clear decision about how, and with whom, he will live on the Vatican grounds. He lives in a simple room 201 at the Domus Sanctae Marthae, a guesthouse that provides only rudimentary comforts.
“I chose to live here, in Room 201… The papal apartment in the Apostolic Palace is not luxurious. It is old, tastefully decorated and large, but not luxurious. But in the end, it is like an inverted funnel. It is big and spacious, but the entrance is really tight. People can come only in dribs and drabs, and I cannot live without people. I need to live my life with others,” – Pope Francis.
This choice constitutes a sharp break with all of the previous popes who lived in the ornately decorated apartments inside the Apostolic Palace. The pontiff’s decision is an indication of his wish to cultivate a more personal touch with everyone. It further illustrates his desire to live simply, a theme that runs deep in his papacy.
Conclave Meals and Dietary Choices
Meals served during the papal conclave are historically simple. They showcase uncomplicated, ingredient-driven preparations, in a manner befitting the somber occasion. The new supplies still add up to mostly pasta, soup and fruit.
“The food is pretty ordinary, pasta, soup and fruit, which is how Francis wanted it,” – Vatican insider.
Even though these meals are easy, they are beautiful, just like Pope Francis dreamed of. A few cardinals have taken to publicly lamenting the lackluster fare. As Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi put it rather bluntly, “You do not eat well at all.”
During the conclave, cardinals will take their noon meal at Domus Sanctae Marthae and return there for the night’s votes. This daily inflection point gives them space to recharge and loosen up while chatting casually through the highs and lows of the day.
“They will return to the Domus Sanctae Marthae and have their midday meal, take their midday nap, and then return for the evening vote,” – Steven P Millies.
These environments create plenty of opportunities for cardinals to make deals as they shape their votes to the new pope.
The Voting Process
The conclave’s voting process is one of rigid protocol, requiring a sense of secrecy and solemnity. Before they cast their vote, each voting cardinal takes an oath. In doing so, they promise their full devotion to electing a successor to Saint Peter.
“I call as my witness Christ the Lord, who will be my judge, that my vote is given to the one whom I believe should be elected according to God,” – source not explicitly mentioned.
Once they have sworn their oaths, they walk to the altar and deposit their ballots into a chalice. Cardinals who are otherwise unable to walk on account of health concerns would be able to pass their folded ballots to scrutineers for submission.
Father Francis Lucas commented on the historical significance of the voting process: “The Church emphasises that the conclave is a spiritual and sacred process, not a political one.” This viewpoint underscores even further the need for spiritual leaders to be present in those pivotal moments.
As votes are counted, black or white smoke signals are released from the Sistine Chapel chimney to indicate whether a new pope has been elected.
“However, this sometimes resulted in grey smoke, which led to confusion. Now, chemicals are added to ensure the smoke is distinctly black or white,” – Father Francis Lucas.
This experiential aspect of tradition is what makes it so thrilling. Participants and observers from around the world are watching closely for the election results.
The Role of Simplicity
Pope Francis’s emphasis on simplicity shapes every facet of this conclave—from his living arrangements to the meals served and the voting procedures. His influence on Vatican traditions is a poignant reminder of his lifelong dedication to humility and community.
A great spiritual drama is about to take place, with 133 cardinals geared up to take part in it. They are led by the vision set forth by Pope Francis. His impact cannot be measured in individual purchase decisions. Most importantly, it reshapes what tradition and modernity can both look like together under one of the oldest institutions in the world.
