The Domus Sanctae Marthae, with in the background the dome of Saint Peter
The Domus Sanctae Marthae (Dutch: House of Saint Martha) is the Holy See guesthouse. The building was completed in 1996 and is located close to St. Peter's Basilica. The building - built on behalf of Pope John Paul II - serves as a guesthouse for those in Vatican City, but is primarily built as a facility for the members of the College of Cardinals when they are in charge of a conclave in Rome.
Before the Domus Sanctae Marthae existed, in the Apostolic Palace, for the conclave near the Sistine Chapel were built, where the cardinals slept. There were few facilities in these cells: there was a kind of army brick for sleeping, and for the toilet facilities the cardinals were designated for a lamp can and a laundry basin. Pope John Paul II did not regard this lack of comfort in accordance with the heavy responsibility rested on the shoulders of the cardinals. In addition, these facilities for the older cardinals were already a hassle.
The residence has 106 suites, 22 singles and one apartment. The provision is managed by the daughters of love of Vincentius a Paulo. Because the Conclave assumes strict secrecy and seclusion, John Paul II in the apostolic constitution Universe Dominici Gregis determined that the cardinals should not be approached by anyone when they move from the Domus Sanctae Marthae to the Sistine Chapel. Also, during the conclave, all Domus radio, television and telephone connections are made untouched.
The Domus Sanctae Marthae was first used as a residence for the Cardinals during the conclave of 2005. Pope Franciscus chose after his election on March 13, 2013, not to attend the Apostolic Palace, the official residence of the pauses. He chooses the simple guesthouse because, in his opinion, he likes to live with other people, rather than in the relatively more isolated papal apartments. 41° 54′ 2″ NB, 12° 27′ 12″ OL
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