Vatican briefing on cardinals' residence during conclave
March 07, 2013
In its latest briefing for reporters covering the sede vacante period, the Vatican press office has produced a detailed description of the Domus Sanctae Marthae (St. Martha House), where cardinal-electors will be lodged during the conclave.
Built in 1996, the Domus Sanctae Marthae has 106 suites and 22 single rooms spread across its 5 floors. The building stands on the site of what was once a hospital, built in 1891 to serve victims of a cholera epidemic. During World War II the building housed refugees, including many Jews fleeing from the Holocaust.
During the conclave, the Domus Sanctae Marthae will house only the cardinals and a small support staff, including the secretary of the College of Cardinals, the master of ceremonies for papal liturgies, priest-confessors, doctors, cooks, and cleaning staff. Most cardinals will make the short daily walk from the residence to the Sistine Chapel, but a small bus will be available for those cardinals who find the trip a difficulty.
The cardinals will only move into their temporary quarters in the Domus Sanctae Marthae on the eve of the conclave. They will be assigned to rooms by a random drawing.
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!