Conclave: How Vatican keeps its papal vote secret

In the heart of Rome, a significant event is set to unfold as over 130 cardinals gather to elect a new pope. This gathering, known as a conclave, is considered one of the most secretive elections in the world. When the 133 Catholic cardinals enter the Sistine Chapel, they will take an oath on the gospels, promising to keep the details of the election confidential for the rest of their lives. This commitment extends to everyone present in the Vatican during the conclave, including the two doctors on standby for emergencies and the dining staff who will serve the cardinals. All individuals involved must adhere to 'absolute and perpetual secrecy. ' To ensure that no unauthorized listening devices are present, the chapel and guesthouses will be thoroughly searched for microphones and bugs. John Allen, the editor of the Crux news site, emphasizes that the Vatican takes the concept of isolation very seriously. They employ electronic jammers to prevent any phone or Wi-Fi signals from entering or leaving the premises. The lockdown is not solely about maintaining the secrecy of the voting process; it also aims to protect against any 'nefarious forces' that might attempt to disrupt the election or gather information. The measures are designed to ensure that the cardinals are completely isolated from the outside world and its influences as they prepare to cast their votes. While Catholics believe that the election is guided by divine intervention rather than political maneuvering, the Vatican does not take any chances. Upon entering the conclave, all cardinals must surrender their electronic devices, including phones, tablets, and smartwatches. The Vatican has its own police force to enforce these rules. Monsignor Paolo de Nicolo, who led the Papal household for three decades, states that there are no televisions, newspapers, or radios available at the guesthouse for the conclave. In fact, the windows are kept closed to prevent any view of the outside world. Everyone working within the Vatican during the conclave has undergone extensive vetting, and they are prohibited from communicating with the electors. Ines San Martin, representing the Pontifical Mission Societies in the US, notes that the cardinals are completely incommunicado. The only communication allowed is through walkie-talkies for specific situations, such as needing medical assistance or announcing the election of a new pope. Breaking these rules can have serious consequences, including excommunication from the church, which is a risk that no one is willing to take. In the lead-up to the conclave, the atmosphere is quite different. While the cardinals are officially prohibited from commenting on the election, the media and visitors have turned into 'cardinal hunters,' trying to speculate on who might be the next pope. Since the passing of Pope Francis, many have been frequenting the restaurants and gelato shops near the Vatican, eager to catch a glimpse of the cardinals and gather any hints about their discussions. One headline in La Repubblica read, 'Wine and Rigatoni: the Cardinals' Last Suppers,' highlighting the meals enjoyed by the cardinals before the conclave begins. Reporters have been interrogating waiters about any overheard conversations, but the servers report that the cardinals remain tight-lipped. The area around the basilica has become a hotspot for journalists, with cameras and reporters gathering each morning to spot the cardinals in their distinctive red robes. Currently, there are nearly 250 cardinals in the city, summoned from all corners of the globe, although those aged 80 and older are not eligible to vote. As they gather for daily meetings to discuss the election, they are bombarded with questions from the media. However, the cardinals have been careful to reveal little, only mentioning the need for unity and assuring that the conclave will be brief. The overarching goal is for the decision to be a spiritual one, rather than a political one. Ines San Martin explains that they believe the Holy Spirit guides their discussions and votes. However, the pope leads a vast and influential institution that holds significant moral authority on various global issues, from conflict resolution to social justice. Therefore, the choice of the new pope carries weight far beyond the Vatican walls. Historically, certain Catholic monarchs had a veto over the election process until 1907. Today, various voices attempt to sway the debate, particularly through media channels. At one point, Rome's Il Messaggero criticized a presumed frontrunner, Italian Cardinal Parolin, for what they perceived as a self-promotional campaign. Additionally, a viral video of Filipino Cardinal Tagle singing John Lennon's 'Imagine' was released, seemingly to undermine his popularity, but it only gained more attention. John Allen asserts that the cardinals strive to block out any external influences as they prepare for the vote. Ines San Martin concurs, noting that while lobbying does occur, it is not as pronounced as one might expect. She attributes this partly to the fact that Pope Francis appointed many new cardinals, including those from diverse backgrounds. As a result, a significant portion of the electors may not be familiar with one another, making it challenging for outside groups to exert influence. By Wednesday morning, all electors should be present within the Vatican, stripped of their phones and isolated from the outside world. John Allen believes that personal preferences will take precedence over political affiliations or public debates. Ines San Martin agrees, suggesting that many cardinals are speaking up for the first time, and their discussions could prove to be quite inspiring.