Surprising foods that are banned inside conclave as cardinals vote for new pope

A new conclave is officially underway following the death of Pope Francis, the 266th head of the Catholic Church, who died last month.

Since then, spectators from across the globe have been making discoveries regarding the highly complex ins and outs that come with the process of deciding on a new pontiff - including what the cardinals involved in the voting are permitted and forbidden to eat.

As per a centuries old tradition, following the death of the Pope, the College of Cardinals will now be responsible for selecting a new leader, locking themselves into Rome's Sistine Chapel in Vatican City until a decision is made.

What happens during a Conclave?

The process involves voting four times daily, during which the favourite has to receive a considerable two-thirds majority. Until such a majority majority is reached, the select group of cardinals from around the world will continue to anonymously vote.

Conclaves have lasted years in the past (Massimo Valicchia/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Each time the College of Cardinals fail to reach a majority decision, the ballot papers are burnt inside the chapel, and black smoke released in St Peter's Square indicates that the conclave is still ongoing.

During this time, these Catholic representatives are kept in a shared five-storey accommodation - Casa de Santa Marta - which is situated close to St Peter's Basilica.

Each of the 133 cardinals is prescribed their own simple quarters, and is forbidden from connecting with any member of the outside world until the voting process is over, so as not to have their vote influenced by news and current affairs. As such, phones and newspapers are banned.

The conclave's mealtimes have proven of interest for spectators for a number of other reasons - including the fact that a number of foods are banned from consumption during periods of voting.

What food is banned?

Closed foods are said to be banned from conclave (LauriPatterson/Getty)

Vatican nuns are responsible for serving meals supplied to the College of Cardinals during a conclave which, according to NDTV, consist of simple ingredients.

The likes of meat skewers, pasta, potatoes, fish and boiled vegetables are understood to be commonly consumed menu items inside the Casa de Santa Marta, while whole poultries and closed foods - including pies and quiches - are said to be banned, according to the BBC.

Meanwhile, wine and water has to be offered in clear rather than opaque glasses, while cloth napkins are carefully inspected.

This is reportedly so as to prevent secret messages from the outside world being hidden inside them and received by voting cardinals, in a bid to stop any outside influences dictating the papal vote.

When will a new pope be elected?

Catholic Church officials can never be certain how long a conclave will last.

The longest process in history lasted a staggering two years and a nine months following the 1268 passing of Clement IV, after which Pope Gregory X was eventually elected.

When a decision is reached, however, white smoke will be released, indicating that a new Pope has received the majority vote, and has accepted the responsibilities that come with the role.

A potential Pope must receive a two-third majority (ANDREAS SOLARO/AFP via Getty Images)

The chosen pontiff will then be taken to the Stanza delle Lacrime - or 'Room of Tears' - to be robed in the official papal garments.

They'll also be asked whether they wish to change their name, as per another long-standing tradition.

While there are many potential candidates this year, according to I Paper, the six likely ones include Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Cardinal Robert Prevost, Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, Cardinal Raymond Burke and Cardinal Matteo Zuppi.