Nutritionist Giorgio Calabrese, an Italian doctor who specializes in nutritional science, prepared the menu for the cardinal electors who have kicked off the conclave to elect the next pope.
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Speaking with ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner, the scientific adviser to the Italian Ministry of Health explained in detail the dishes that make up the special conclave menu, designed specifically to provide the necessary energy for the cardinals who will lead a sedentary life for several days.
“Since they won’t be moving around much and have little time because they have four votes a day, I proposed a menu tailored to this circumstance,” he explained.
The specialist emphasized that the cardinals “need to be focused,” and this raises cortisol, the so-called “stress hormone,” which the body produces “through the adrenal glands.”
Cortisol, Calabrese explained, “generates insulin, which normally burns sugar, but also generates fat,” which, he emphasized, “they must take into account.”
Breakfast
To lower cortisol levels, he explained that those from Northern European or American cultures, where savory breakfasts are more common, “are overloading their metabolic system just when they need immediate energy, i.e., simple carbohydrates.”
“So it makes more sense for them not to have bacon, eggs, and meat for breakfast but rather a sweet breakfast, with partially skimmed milk and toast with jam or honey.”
They will also be offered tea or coffee. “This is essential because in the morning they have to deal with the stress of voting,” Calabrese told ACI Prensa.
Lunch
“Lunch should be light, quick, and tasty, satisfying the palate without overloading with fat,” the nutritionist emphasized.
Therefore, the menu suggests a first course such as light pasta with tomato and fresh basil, or a vegetable or legume risotto, “for good digestion and a dose of carbohydrates that provide energy.”
For the main course, it would be “white meat or grilled, not fried, fish with steamed or grilled vegetables.”
He also emphasized the importance of using “extra virgin” olive oil and toasting the bread to avoid excessive crumbs, as they contain a lot of fat. On the other hand, he noted that the crust “contains carbohydrates rich in fiber.”
“Since they will continue in the afternoon with two more votes, they may take a short nap,” he explained. For dessert, the nutritionist recommended a piece of fruit.
Snack
“If they were outside, I would tell them to have ice cream. But since they can’t be, the nuns can give them fresh fruit, like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.”
Calabrese also recommended having “partially skimmed yogurt” mid-afternoon. “They can also have tea, but one with less caffeine, to avoid agitation.”
Dinner
By evening, they’ve already gone through four votes. “They’re stressed, so they can’t eat pasta carbonara or amatriciana.”
Dinner should be “easy to digest.” Therefore, the proposed menu includes “cooked ham, smoked salmon, bluefish or sardines, tuna without added oil or sauce, and bresaola.”
“All of this can be alternated with fresh cheeses, such as mozzarella,” he added.
Wine in moderation, high-proof alcohol prohibited
Calabrese clarified that if the cardinals desire wine, they should drink it in moderation, and if possible, “only a glass.”
Regarding high-proof alcohol, he explained that “it puts a heavy strain on the liver, and that takes energy away from the brain.”
“They need to keep their minds active and not overtax their liver. That’s why a glass of wine is enough. You drink water to hydrate, you savor wine to nourish yourself,” he pointed out.
In case they don’t like wine, the nutritionist suggested a “Moscato d’Asti, which is only 5% alcohol, is pleasant and low in calories and alcohol.”
Intolerances and allergies
Calabrese noted that, since there are 133 cardinals, someone probably has an intolerance or allergy, something that should be taken into account.
If there are celiac patients, he specified, “they can use gluten-free pasta, or rice, which is gluten-free. Also, oats, corn, and quinoa can be substituted.”
If someone is lactose intolerant, “instead of milk or yogurt, they can have tea or coffee.”
A secret menu ‘under oath’
Calabrese pointed out that the menu was submitted to the Vatican, but ultimately the final decision is made by the nuns who run St. Martha’s House — the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul.
In addition, there will be “trusted” laypeople in charge of serving the cardinals as well as several cooks, all of whom are sworn to secrecy, as are the other personnel involved, such as the transportation staff, who were sworn in last Monday.
The chef in charge of the kitchens is also subject to strict secrecy. Therefore, the exact menu reserved for the cardinals during the conclave is unknown.
Furthermore, all meals must be prepared exclusively at St. Martha’s House, as bringing in food prepared outside the Vatican kitchens is strictly prohibited.
This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.
