The Casa di Santa Marta is a residence located a few meters from St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. This place has 105 comfortable suites with two rooms and 26 single rooms, lounges, a dining room, and a chapel. Throughout its history, it has served different functions, from a hospice for religious to a shelter for the poor in the neighborhood.
During World War II, the Casa di Santa Marta housed ambassadors from countries that had broken diplomatic relations with Italy. Nowadays, it is the place where the cardinals participating in the conclave to choose the next Pope will stay. They are offered comfort and total isolation in this modern five-story hotel.
During the conclave, the cardinals will be completely isolated. Electronic devices, televisions, and phones will be removed to comply with the rules established by the Apostolic Constitution. Additionally, a small adjacent residence has been prepared to accommodate all the cardinals, as a large number of cardinals are expected to participate on this occasion.
One of the cardinals who stayed at the Casa di Santa Marta during a previous conclave shared a funny anecdote. Emeritus Archbishop Anselmo Guido Pecorar recounted how a foreign colleague invited several cardinals to his room to chat after dinner and they consumed the entire minibar thinking the drinks were free. Despite the anecdote, the Casa di Santa Marta is preparing to host the cardinals during this important event of the Catholic Church.
