When they are not in the Sistine Chapel, seated under Michelangelo’s frescoes to vote for the next pope, the cardinal-electors need a place to rest, converse and eat.
They will move into the Domus Sanctae Marthae, the guesthouse where Pope Francis lived, shortly before entering the conclave 7 May.
Since a reported 133 cardinals will participate and there are only about 125 rooms available, the cardinals will draw lots not only to determine who gets a suite and who gets a simple room, but also who will stay in one of the vacant apartments in the building next door, the “vecchio” or “old” Santa Marta.