On 7 May, the Vatican shut down all mobile phone signals as part of stringent security measures ahead of the papal conclave to elect the next pope, Italian state media reported.
To safeguard the confidentiality of the event, signal jammers were installed around the Sistine Chapel, preventing any external electronic surveillance.
This move ensured that the 133 cardinals participating in the conclave remained completely isolated as they selected Pope Francis’ successor, according to Italian news agency ANSA.
Phone signal blackout and cardinal arrival in Rome
The mobile signal deactivation commenced at 3 p.m. local time (9 a.m. ET) on 7 May, one and a half hours before the cardinals entered the Sistine Chapel to begin the election process, Italian state broadcaster RAI confirmed.
By 5 May, the Vatican had verified that all 133 cardinals eligible to vote had arrived in Rome, marking the final preparations for the historic event.
