These cardinals will process into the chapel, renowned for its breathtaking frescoes by Renaissance master Michelangelo, to begin the clandestine process of selecting the next pope. Their steps will fall upon a newly installed elevated floor, designed to create a seamless level with the altar's base, which stands several steps above the chapel's main floor.
Cloaked in Secrecy: Security Measures Within
The specifics of what lies beneath this temporary flooring remain shrouded in mystery, varying depending on the Vatican official consulted. While wiring for electricity and sound systems is a certainty, the presence of signal-jamming devices is less clear. These devices, intended to prevent any unauthorized electronic communication, may be located beneath the floor or near the chapel's high upper windows, which soar to about 68 feet (20.1 meters).
Vatican officials have, at times, offered conflicting information regarding these security measures, underscoring the intense secrecy surrounding the conclave preparations. The only consensus is their presence, an unseen layer of protection akin to the Holy Spirit believed to guide the cardinals' decision.
Further security protocols aimed at thwarting eavesdropping and information leaks reportedly include specialized film on the windows to block drone-mounted cameras and unique tiles designed to impede cellphone signals – devices already prohibited within the chapel.
Notably, the last papal conclave in 2013 saw widespread reports of a Faraday cage installation. This electromagnetic shielding device enhances communication security by blocking external signals.
External Measures: Cellphone Blackout and Drone Detection
Adding to the security measures, the office of the governor of Vatican City issued a concise notification to "Dear Clients" announcing the deactivation of all cellphone towers within the sovereign state beginning at 3 p.m. (1300 GMT) on Wednesday. This blackout will remain in effect until the announcement of the new pope's name.
However, the Vatican City's unique geographic situation, entirely surrounded by Rome, raises questions about potential actions to block connections to cellphone towers just outside its walls.
The Ritual of Voting and Announcing the Decision
Inside the chapel, the cardinals will participate in up to four rounds of voting each day. Vatican workers have already installed a chimney atop the chapel, the traditional method for communicating the conclave's progress to the outside world. Black smoke emanating from the chimney will signal that no decision has been reached, while the appearance of white smoke will herald the election of the 267th pope.
Cardinals Secured Within Vatican Walls
The cardinals will reside in the Santa Marta residence, a hotel with approximately 130 rooms, and an adjacent older building. The main Santa Marta residence was cleared of its regular guests and long-term residents last week to allow security personnel to conduct thorough electronic sweeps of the premises.
According to a recent anonymous guest, the main entrance of the residence has been closed, with a sign directing cardinals to use a side entrance. Furthermore, Wi-Fi signals within the residence were reportedly significantly weaker than usual on Monday.
A former Vatican official indicated that the city-state possesses its own drone detection systems and receives regular security assistance from Italy.
Vatican gendarmes and plainclothes Swiss Guards will escort the buses transporting the cardinals between their residence and the Sistine Chapel. Prelates wishing to walk the short distance will be permitted to do so, taking a route around the back of St. Peter's Basilica.
"A protective envelope will be created around the cardinals at all times," a source familiar with the security procedures stated. "If they do decide to walk in the gardens or take a smoke outside, no one will be able to get close to them."
Oath of Secrecy and Severe Consequences
Adding another layer of security, aides assisting the cardinals – including priests, cooks, cleaners, drivers, and other attendants – have already sworn an oath of "absolute and perpetual secrecy" regarding anything they may witness or overhear during the conclave. The penalty for violating this sacred trust, extending until death, is automatic excommunication from the Church.
As the world awaits the outcome, the Vatican's meticulous preparations underscore the gravity and secrecy surrounding the election of the next leader of the Catholic Church, ensuring that the momentous decision unfolds within the secure and sacred confines of the Sistine Chapel.