Vatican shuts down for Conclave, digital silence will reign

The moment is here. The Conclave is beginning, during which 133 cardinals from around the world will elect a new pope. To ensure complete secrecy of the proceedings, the Vatican will turn off the mobile phone signal and use jammers around the Sistine Chapel.

The conclave begins in the Vatican , during which 133 cardinals from around the world will elect a new pope. The eyes of the entire Catholic world are turned to the Sistine Chapel , where the secret vote will take place.

In connection with this event, the Vatican is taking extraordinary precautions to ensure the complete secrecy and security of the proceedings. As announced, at 3:00 p.m. all mobile phone telecommunications signal transmission systems located in the Vatican City State will be switched off.

- The signal will be restored after the election of the supreme pope is announced - it was reported.

St. Peter's Basilica / Unsplash, photo by Xavier Coiffic

In addition, signal jammers will be placed around the Sistine Chapel to prevent any electronic communication or possible surveillance attempts. The chapel will be subject to a complete technological blockade, similar to the 2013 election of Pope Francis.

Matteo Bruni , a Vatican spokesman, explains that the signal cut-off will not affect St. Peter's Square , where believers are flocking to await the announcement of the new pope. However, security measures have been stepped up: There are checkpoints , metal detectors and anti-drone systems in place.

Vatican / photo Unsplash, Léonard Cotte

All cardinals participating in the conclave were required to leave their cell phones and all electronic devices behind on Tuesday. They will not be returned until after the election is over. No more browsing Facebook ...

Interestingly, the Office of the Governorate of the Vatican City State informs that even people working in the Vatican during the Conclave, such as electricians , plumbers and elevator operators, are cut off from the outside world. They will spend each night during the Conclave in the Vatican without contact with their families.

So it looks like a lot of people will now be expecting white smoke , the traditional sign announcing that a new pope has been elected.