The Vatican has announced that mobile phone services on its territory will be temporarily suspended from 3:00 PM on May 7 until the new Pope is officially declared. This measure aims to ensure total confidentiality during the papal election process, reports the Baltimore Chronicle with reference to The Guardian.
According to the official statement, all telecommunications signal transmission systems for mobile phones within the Vatican will be deactivated. However, this restriction will not apply to St. Peter’s Square, where thousands of faithful are expected to gather to await the announcement of the new pontiff.
A total of 133 cardinals from around the world will take part in the conclave, assembling in the Sistine Chapel for the voting process. During the conclave, cardinals will leave their mobile devices outside the chapel, strictly observing the secrecy of the election proceedings.
Earlier we wrote that cardinals gather to elect the new Pope.