Cardinals Begin Conclave Preparations at Santa Marta with Room Assignments by Lot

Vatican City: The 133 cardinals who will participate in the upcoming conclave to select the successor to Pope Francis have been assigned their accommodations at Santa Marta’s hostel through a lottery system, as announced by the Vatican on Monday. This hostel is notably the residence of Pope Francis himself.

According to Ansa News Agency, the cardinals are set to be cloistered in Santa Marta during the conclave, which will take place in the Sistine Chapel starting Wednesday. They are expected to take up residence on Tuesday night and will be required to surrender their phones as part of the conclave’s protocols.

In line with the conclave’s traditions, the Santa Marta kitchen has been instructed to prepare only light meals for the cardinals during their stay, ensuring they maintain their focus on the important task at hand.