In brief
As cardinals convene for the papal conclave, a veteran insider critiques the unimpressive dining arrangements at Casa Santa Marta, evident in a menu described as “train station food.” With a focus on simplicity attributed to Pope Francis's influence, the atmosphere and the cuisine draw mixed sentiments from attendees.
May 7, 2025, 3:54 p.m. ETAs the cardinals gather in Rome to elect the next pope, their culinary experience leaves much to be desired. Cardinal Mauro Piacenza humorously likened the food served at the Casa Santa Marta guesthouse to meals you might find at a train station, highlighting the lackluster fare including bland pastas and simple salads.Casa Santa Marta, adorned with pale green columns and utilitarian furniture, has become a familiar spot as it once hosted Pope Francis, who shared community meals with the clergy. However, the once-vibrant kitchen seems to have dimmed under his preference for modest living. Observers noted dishes lacking in flavor and richness, a departure from culinary expectations, with leftovers from gifts to the pope making their way onto the menu.A sense of camaraderie emerged among cardinals across differing ideologies, with sentiments expressing disappointment in the food quality. Despite their culinary grievances, the cardinals' primary focus remains the selection of a new spiritual leader, serving as a reminder that the soul of the conclave is not in its meals but the momentous decisions ahead.
