The Conclave’s Secret Safety Tech

With Pope Francis’ passing, the Vatican is gearing up for one of its most sacred and secretive traditions — the papal conclave. But this isn’t just incense and whispers anymore. In 2025, the Church’s ancient rituals are now protected by some impressively modern tech.

The conclave, which kicks off about 20 days after the pope’s death, will see cardinals from around the world convene in the Vatican to vote on the next head of the Catholic Church. And while the spiritual focus remains, so does a very practical concern: leaks. So, how does the smallest country in the world keep its biggest secret safe from drones, hackers, and the 24-hour news cycle?

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Cardinals gathering in The Vatican.

Signal Jammers: The Vatican’s Digital Cone of Silence

No smartphones allowed. Literally. During the conclave, the Vatican deploys signal jammers inside the voting areas. These devices block any form of digital communication — Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, even good old-fashioned cell signals. Think of it as putting the cardinals in a Faraday cage. Even if someone tried to sneak in a mic or phone, it’d be about as useful as a stone tablet.

On top of that, the Vatican doesn’t take chances. Security teams sweep rooms for hidden bugs and inspect every piece of tech that enters the building. Attendees are thoroughly checked, and yes, that includes the cardinals themselves.

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Say Goodbye to Windows — and Satellite Snoops

Forget peeking out to enjoy the Roman skyline. All windows in the conclave area are covered with privacy film, blocking any outside view — and preventing any inside view from satellites, drones, or AI-powered lip readers. Cardinals aren’t even allowed to look out the windows while inside. And no, you can’t blame the Holy Spirit for cabin fever.

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Surveillance and Security Fit for a State (Even a Tiny One)

At just 0.44 square kilometers, the Vatican may be small, but it’s a fortress. It’s packed with hundreds of surveillance cameras feeding into a control center underground. Add to that the Vatican Gendarmerie (essentially its national police) and the famously photogenic Swiss Guard — yes, the guys in Renaissance uniforms, who also just so happen to be armed with modern military-grade weaponry.

By the time the new pope is announced and the crowds pour into St. Peter’s Square — an estimated 200,000 people — the conclave will have concluded under a dome of secrecy that blends centuries-old tradition with next-gen tech.

It’s divine drama with a high-tech twist.