The Investment Whisperer
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Investing
  • World
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Investing
  • World

The Investment Whisperer

World

Vatican to deactivate mobile phone signal ahead of secret meeting to elect new pope

by admin May 6, 2025
May 6, 2025
Vatican to deactivate mobile phone signal ahead of secret meeting to elect new pope

All mobile phone signals will be deactivated in the Vatican on Wednesday ahead of the highly secretive conclave to elect the next pope, Italian state media reported.

The Vatican also plans to use signal jammers around the Sistine Chapel to prevent electronic surveillance or communication outside the conclave that will see 133 cardinals vote on who will succeed Pope Francis and lead the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics, Italian news agency ANSA reported.

Phone signal will be cut off at 3 p.m. local time (9 a.m. ET) on Wednesday, an hour and a half before the cardinals are scheduled to proceed to the Sistine Chapel to begin the papal conclave, Italian state broadcaster RAI reported on Monday.

All 133 cardinals who will vote to elect Francis’ successor have already arrived in Rome, the Vatican confirmed on Monday.

For centuries, the leader of the Catholic Church has been chosen in a highly secretive gathering known as “conclave,” meaning “with key” in Latin – a nod to how cardinals used to be locked in until a new pope was selected. Cardinals tasked with picking the next pontiff follow an elaborate process with roots in the Middle Ages.

The cardinals will have to give up their phones and all electronic devices starting Tuesday and will only get their devices back once the conclave has ended, a Vatican spokesman said.

The cardinals will all be shut in the Sistine Chapel and locked away from the outside world from Wednesday. All of the cardinals taking part in the conclave will be in complete isolation and will take a vow to observe “absolute and perpetual secrecy”.

The signal deactivation will not affect St Peter’s Square, where the public often gather, according to the spokesman. But security has been ramped up throughout St Peter’s Square, with checkpoints at the entrances and the deployment of metal detectors and anti-drone systems at the public space, according to news outlet Corriere della Sera.

The Sistine Chapel is placed under total lockdown during conclave to guarantee complete secrecy. In 2013, during the conclave that elected Francis, signal blockers were also installed to prevent any calls, texts, or internet access.

Even the electricians, plumbers and elevator operators who will keep the Vatican running during the conclave will commit themselves to secrecy.

“They all take an oath and will be in full-time service, staying overnight in the Vatican, without having contact with their families,” according to a statement from the Vatican City State Governorate.

This post appeared first on cnn.com

0
FacebookTwitterGoogle +Pinterest
previous post
Japan’s former Emperor Akihito to be hospitalized for heart tests, NHK reports
next post
Major airlines are avoiding Pakistan’s airspace as tensions with India remain high following tourist massacre

Related Posts

State of emergency in Seychelles as massive explosion...

December 8, 2023

An alleged gang rape shocks Italy, and provides...

February 12, 2024

Coldplay tickets for $11,000? Uproar in India after...

October 1, 2024

Russia pledges to discharge Indians fighting for Moscow in...

July 11, 2024

Russia’s presidential election is nearing. We already know...

February 26, 2024

Several killed in Chad after attack on intelligence...

February 29, 2024

Putin calls on Ukrainian troops in Kursk to...

March 15, 2025

China has launched new drills encircling Taiwan. Why...

May 24, 2024

Newborns die of hunger and mothers struggle to...

March 7, 2024

Trump wants an ‘Iron Dome’ over the US....

February 1, 2025

    Stay updated with the latest news, exclusive offers, and special promotions. Sign up now and be the first to know! As a member, you'll receive curated content, insider tips, and invitations to exclusive events. Don't miss out on being part of something special.


    By opting in you agree to receive emails from us and our affiliates. Your information is secure and your privacy is protected.

    Categories

    • Business (1,350)
    • Investing (3,187)
    • Politics (4,325)
    • World (4,250)
    • About us
    • Contact us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions

    Disclaimer: TheInvestmentWhisperer.com, its managers, its employees, and assigns (collectively “The Company”) do not make any guarantee or warranty about what is advertised above. Information provided by this website is for research purposes only and should not be considered as personalized financial advice. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendation. Any investments recommended here should be taken into consideration only after consulting with your investment advisor and after reviewing the prospectus or financial statements of the company.

    Copyright © 2024 TheInvestmentWhisperer.com | All Rights Reserved