In preparation for the highly secretive process of electing a new pope, the Vatican announced it will temporarily shut down mobile phone signals within its territory starting Tuesday afternoon.
According to a statement from the office of the Governorate of the Vatican City State, all mobile transmission systems within the Vatican walls will be switched off from 3:00 pm (1300 GMT) on May 7. The blackout is part of strict measures to ensure the confidentiality of the papal election, known as the conclave.
The signal will remain off until a new pope is chosen and officially announced.
However, the mobile blackout will not extend to St Peter’s Square. Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni clarified that people gathered outside likely in the thousands will still have phone access. The square, which lies just outside the conclave’s inner sanctum, will serve as the focal point for the faithful awaiting news of the new pontiff.
The election comes after the death of Pope Francis on April 21. On Wednesday, 133 cardinals from around the world will enter the Sistine Chapel to begin the solemn process of selecting the next spiritual leader of the Catholic Church who will guide more than 1.4 billion followers worldwide.
As tradition demands, the conclave will be conducted under the strictest secrecy. Once inside, the cardinals must surrender their mobile phones to prevent any outside communication until a decision is reached.
