The Vatican announced on Monday that it will disable all mobile phone signals within its territory during the upcoming conclave to elect a new pope. The blackout, set to begin at 3:00 p.m. local time (1300 GMT) on May 7, will not extend to St Peter’s Square, according to Vatican officials.
A statement from the office of the Governorate of the Vatican City State confirmed that all telecommunications systems within the city will be switched off until the new pope is elected. The measure is aimed at maintaining the strict confidentiality of the conclave, which will be held in the Sistine Chapel.
Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni clarified that St Peter’s Square will remain connected, allowing thousands of faithful expected to gather there to stay informed. The crowd will await the announcement of a new pope following the death of Pope Francis on April 21.
The conclave will involve 133 cardinals from around the world. Bruni emphasized that the voting process will be conducted under the highest level of secrecy, with all cardinals required to surrender their mobile devices before entering the conclave.
