The Vatican will shut down all mobile phone signals on Wednesday May 7, 2020 as part of strict measures to ensure total secrecy during the papal conclave. Signal jammers will also be installed around the Sistine Chapel to prevent any form of surveillance or communication leaking outside; 133 cardinals will be voting in the 2025, conclave to elect the successor to Pope Francis.

At exactly 4 p.m EAT, one and a half hours before the cardinals enter the chapel mobile networks will be deactivated within Vatican grounds.

The office of the presidency of the Governorate of the Vatican City State said that “starting from 3:00 pm (1600hrs EAT) on May 7, all the transmission systems of the telecommunications signal for mobile telephones present in the territory of the Vatican City State, will be deactivated.”

The measure is aimed at preserving the integrity of the centuries-old process of selecting the next pope.

“The signal will be restored after the announcement of the election of the supreme pontiff,” said the statement.

Cardinals will begin handing over their phones and electronic devices on Tuesday. They will remain in isolation for the duration of the conclave and will not regain access to any devices until a new pope is elected. The tradition of conclave, meaning “with key” in Latin, dates back to the Middle Ages, when electors were physically locked in until a decision was reached.

Security has been intensified around St. Peter’s Square, though the signal blackout will not affect the public space. Metal detectors, police checkpoints, and anti-drone systems have been deployed to monitor the area as pilgrims and visitors gather nearby.

Inside the Vatican, not even support staff are exempt from the rules. Electricians, elevator operators, and other essential workers also took an oath of secrecy on Monday 5th, Mat and will remain on-site until the conclave concludes.

The 133 cardinals will cast their ballots four times daily; twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon until one among them secures the required two-thirds majority. That means a candidate must receive at least 89 votes to be declared pope-elect.

Thousands of faithful are expected to gather in the square in front of St Peter’s Basilica to await the announcement of the nw pope.