Vatican nutritionist puts cardinals on stress-reduction menu for conclave

The Catholic Herald• May 8, 2025

The menu for the cardinal-electors involved in the conclave to elect the next pope has been designed by a nutritionist to assist participants in their arduous task and to offset the likes of increased stress levels.

Nutritionist Giorgio Calabrese, an Italian doctor who specialises in nutritional science, is behind the special conclave menu comprising dishes designed specifically to provide the necessary energy for the cardinals as they lead a sedentary but stressful life for several days, reports the Catholic News Agency (CNA).

“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,” says Calabrese, who is also the scientific adviser to the Italian Ministry of Health. He explains that because the cardinals “need to be focused” this raises the level of cortisol, the so-called “stress hormone” produced in their bodies “through the adrenal glands”.

This can be compounded, he says, for those cardinals from Northern European or American cultures, where savory breakfasts are more common, thereby “overloading their metabolic system just when they need immediate energy” that is better provided by “simple carbohydrates”.

So to help lower cortisol levels, “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”.

Needless to say, 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 said.

Lunch, the nutritionist explained, should be light, quick and tasty, “satisfying the palate without overloading” the body.

The menu offers this with the likes of 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 could be “white meat or grilled, not fried, fish with steamed or grilled vegetables”.

He also highlighted 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” that are good for maintaining health.

“Since they will continue in the afternoon with two more votes, they may take a short nap,” he explained. In order not to unduly impact this, for dessert, the nutritionist recommends a piece of fruit.

“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 said.

He also recommended having “partially skimmed yogurt” mid-afternoon. “They can also have tea, but one with less caffeine, to avoid agitation.”

By evening, having already gone through four votes, “They’re stressed, so they can’t eat pasta carbonara or amatriciana.”

Instead, 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 is available, though Calabrese emphasised that if wine is desired it should be drunk in moderation, and, ideally, “only a glass”.

Stronger alcohol, such as liquor, “puts a heavy strain on the liver, and that takes energy away from the brain” (though the CNA report didn’t clarify if hard liquor is actually off the menu).

He added: “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.”

As an alternative to wine, the nutritionist suggested a Moscato d’Asti, which is “pleasant and low in calories and alcohol [5 per cent].”

Since there are 133 cardinals, Calabrese acknowledges the likelihood that someone has an intolerance or allergy.

Giving the example of someone who has celiac (a long-term autoimmune disorder, primarily affecting the small intestine), “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” to give them a boost.

Calabrese noted that while the menu was submitted to the Vatican, ultimately the final decision is made by the nuns who run St. Martha’s House – where the cardinals are accommodated – the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul.

There are also “trusted” laypeople in charge of serving the cardinals as well as several cooks, all of whom were sworn to secrecy on Monday, as were other personnel involved, such as transportation staff, reports CNA.

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.

All meals must be prepared exclusively at St. Martha’s House, as bringing in food prepared outside the Vatican kitchens is strictly prohibited.

Photo: The flag of Vatican City is seen on St Peter’s Square on the second day of the conclave, in the Vatican on May 8, 2025. (Photo by Stefano Rellandini / AFP)