Culinary Expectations Low as Cardinals Prepare for Pope Selection

The upcoming conclave for selecting the next pope sees cardinals acknowledging the subpar food offerings at the Casa Santa Marta guesthouse. Despite varying perspectives, all agree that culinary quality has declined under Pope Francis's influence, mirroring his dedication to simplicity.

The cardinals converging for this pivotal conclave are most concerned with choosing a spiritual leader for the Roman Catholic Church, leaving little room for high culinary hopes. "Food you could eat at a train station," was how Cardinal Mauro Piacenza characterized the offerings at Casa Santa Marta, the Vatican guesthouse where the cardinals will reside during the proceedings. The food is described as mediocre at best, with bland pastas, unsatisfactory cutlets, and unexciting salads on the menu.

The guesthouse lacks the charm one might expect from such a significant event, featuring a cafeteria with utilitarian decor and decorations inspired by Pope Francis, including one artwork portraying him as a “Star Wars” Jedi. Before his health declined, Pope Francis often dined in the inconsistent cafeteria, where the ambiance didn't match the importance of the decisions being made nearby.

Some cardinals have pointed out that the deterioration in food quality can be tied back to Francis’s focus on simplicity and humility. They have noted that meals often consist of plain vegetables and underwhelming pasta, sometimes made from leftover gifts meant for the pope, like dates from diplomatic visitors.

Across the board, cardinals share similar sentiments regarding the food. Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, a supporter of Francis, admitted, "You don’t eat very well." In contrast, Cardinal Gerhard Ludwig Müller, who has previously clashed with Francis, remarked, “It’s not so good.”

Ultimately, it's clear that the cardinals' attention lies not with the culinary experience but rather with their solemn task of discerning who will lead the Church forward in the years to come, relegating the quality of their meals to low priority amidst this pivotal moment in ecclesiastical history.