Benedict XVI's shock resignation in February -- the first for
almost 600 years -- sent experts inside and outside the Vatican
rushing to consult church law to work out what will happen next.
The ensuing conclave fever has unearthed some quirky facts
alongside the more significant. Here's a selection to drop into
conversation. Conclave means "with key." The elaborate voting
process dates to the early Middle Ages and was born out of
frustration after a gathering of cardinals took nearly three
years to select a pope. The locals got so fed up, they tore the
roof off the building where the cardinals were meeting and then
decided to lock the cardinals in, to speed up a decision. Bread
and water Eventually Pope Gregory X was chosen. He wanted to
avoid a repeat of his own experience and thus the conclave
became a tradition. Cardinals in the future would get only one
dish at their noon and evening meal if they took more than three
days to decide ... and only bread, water, and wine if it went
beyond eight. Gone are tho