On Wednesday, all mobile phone signals within the Vatican will be terminated ahead of a highly confidential conclave to elect the next pope. This decision, reported by Italian state media, involves the installation of signal jammers around the Sistine Chapel to avoid any external electronic communication or surveillance during the election process where 133 cardinals will vote on the successor to Pope Francis, leading the Catholic Church’s 1.4 billion followers.
The signal disruption will commence at 3pm local time, approximately 90 minutes prior to the cardinals entering the Sistine Chapel for the conclave. As confirmed by the Vatican, all cardinals have now arrived in Rome, prepared to undertake a time-honoured procedure steeped in tradition. Known as the “conclave,” meaning “with key” in Latin, these gatherings historically involve locking the cardinals inside until a new pope is designated.
Starting Tuesday, the cardinals will surrender their mobile phones and other electronic devices, which will only be returned following the conclusion of the conclave. During this period, they will be sequestered in the Sistine Chapel, isolated from the outside world, under a vow of “absolute and perpetual secrecy.”
Importantly, the signal cut-off will not extend to St. Peter’s Square, where the public gathers. Nevertheless, security measures have been intensified in this area, with multiple checkpoints, metal detectors, and anti-drone systems implemented by Italian police. The pilgrim’s path remains accessible for public entry through the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica.
During the conclave, complete lockdown is imposed on the Sistine Chapel to ensure total confidentiality. This practice is not new; similar measures were adopted during the 2013 conclave that resulted in the election of Pope Francis. Furthermore, even individuals tasked with maintenance and operations within the Vatican will commit to regulations of confidentiality, taking oaths of secrecy and residing full-time on-site throughout the conclave, devoid of family contact.
The secrecy and security surrounding the process reflect the significance of this pivotal moment in the Catholic Church. As the world watches, the electors remain isolated, ensuring the sanctity of their deliberations as they prepare to select a new leader.