Reverse is the time to convene the Conclain on May 7, where the cardinals locked in the Sistine hats and cut off from the outside world will elect the new Papa After the death of Pope Francis.
Separate chapter in this process of election of the new Pope is the What do cardinals eat And how will the food be used as a means of violating the protocol. As the BBC the rules on what and what the cardinals can and cannot eat, have been determined for 750 years in order to prevent the Placing hidden messages in chicken, ravioli and napkins.
Historically, the food was a possible danger: A plate of ravioli could contain a hidden message from kitchen staff, while a dirty napkin may have been secretly carrying news about the course of voting in the outside world.
As much as the common table remains one of the few environments where secret negotiations can be carried out.
The British media reminds us that shortly before the last Pope election in 2013, the Italian media reported that many of the Cardinals were found in the Al Passetto Di Borgo restaurant, 200 meters from St. Peter’s Basilica.
The secrets of diet – the fear of whole chickens and pies
The Code of Secrets of Conclaim dates back to 1274, when Pope Gregory II introduced the rules that even today partially determine how the papal elections are held.
The most detailed historical description of the gastronomic culture of papal concussions comes from Bartolomeo Runthe most famous chefs of the Renaissance (and probably the first famous chef in the world), who served Pope Pius IV and Pius V. The book by Opera dell’arte del Cucinare (The Art of Cooking) of 1570 – The first cookbook published by a chef – made it famous.
In this, he reveals the secrets of the diet of the Conclave who elected Pope Julius III, as well as the extreme practice of surveillance which remains to this day.
According to Scappi, the daily meals of the cardinals were prepared in a communal cuisine of cooks and sommelier. States that the kitchen was a place where illegal messages could be exchanged and notes that there Guards had been placed Especially to prevent it. Therefore, twice a day, in order of the draw, the administrators brought the food ritual.
This “wheel” or rotating disc, embedded in the wall, allowed the food and drink to the cardinals in the inner room. Before passing through the wall, food and drinks were tested by testers to make sure they did not hide illegal messages. Step by step the whole process was watched by Italian and Swiss guards.
Foods were subjected to strict control and forbidden anything that could hide a secret message. Pies and whole chickens were not allowed, while the Wine and water had to be served exclusively in transparent glasses. Even the fabric towels were opened and carefully examined.
This arrangement aimed, on the one hand, to ensure the complete isolation of the cardinals and, on the other, to calm down concerns about poisoning.
In addition to the rigorous protocol and restrictions on food, the meals described by Scappi look rich and balanced, With salad, fruits, sausages, wine and water. Similarly, it describes comfortable stays for the cardinals.
This year’s menu
For the Conclave that will start on May 7, The nuns of Domus Sanctae Marthae – of the modern residence where the cardinals reside during their isolation – they will prepare Simple dishes of Lazioof the Italian region surrounding the Vatican, and neighboring Abrucos: Minestron, Spaghetti, Arcticini (lamb skewers) and boiled vegetables.
Of course the process is closely checked so that no information is leaked.
Concerns about the possibility of food (in particular the whole chickens) containing literal secret messages have almost weakened. Now, the issue it concerns is illegal communication through electronic means.
So, while the Vatican is sweeping for hidden electronic devices in the face of the impending convergence of the Conquerment, the cardinals will make their personal preparations, they will go to Rome to enjoy one or two favorite dishes, wondering if they will be their last dinner.