Vatican staff must swear secrecy or face excommunication

VATICAN CITY — Ahead of the papal conclave that begins on Wednesday, all Vatican personnel responsible for assisting the cardinals in the election of the new pope are required to take an oath of secrecy. The oath-taking ceremony occurred on May 5, 2025, in the Pauline Chapel. This oath is critical, as it imposes a severe penalty of automatic excommunication for anyone who discloses information about the proceedings. The staff includes various support roles, such as cleaners, cooks, medical personnel, and technical staff tasked with ensuring the conclave runs smoothly. The conclave is a critical event for the Catholic Church, as it involves 133 cardinal electors voting to choose the successor of Pope Francis. The duration of the conclave is uncertain, only concluding when white smoke is seen rising from the Sistine Chapel chimney, signaling that a new pope has been elected. The oath taken emphasizes absolute and perpetual secrecy concerning all matters related to the election, as well as the prohibition of recording devices during this period. This tradition highlights the significant steps the Vatican takes to maintain the sanctity and discretion of the election process. In addition to the oath, stringent measures will be implemented to ensure the isolation of the cardinals during their deliberations. Phone signals inside the Sistine Chapel will be jammed to prevent any outside communication, a practice rooted in rules established in the 13th century following prolonged papal elections. The cardinal electors will have no access to external sources of information such as newspapers or television until the conclusion of the conclave. This tradition strengthens the focus of the electors, shielding them from external pressures that could influence their decision-making. As the Vatican approaches this significant event, the oath of secrecy serves as a pivotal element to uphold the integrity and solemnity of the papal selection process. The confluence of strict regulations, traditions, and the imposition of severe penalties reflects the importance of maintaining privacy and security during this sacred event, which ultimately impacts the leadership of over 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.