Sworn to silence: Secrecy is absolute in a papal conclave

The sun sets behind a chimney on the Sistine Chapel roof, ahead of the conclave to elect the next pope, at the Vatican, May 5, 2025. REUTERS

MANILA, Philippines — Papal conclaves are governed by the utmost secrecy. Cardinal electors surrender all personal devices and cut off every link to the outside world—no phones, no news, no digital communication. Bound by oaths and facing automatic excommunication for breaches, they enter a cloistered space where secrecy and solemnity reign. For days or weeks, they set aside the noise of modern life to seek divine guidance in choosing the next pope. This strict seclusion is no tradition alone; it is enforced by Church law, specifically Pope John Paul II’s Universi Dominici Gregis and Pope Benedict XVI’s Normas Nonnullas, which safeguard the integrity of the election.

Top 5 rules cardinals must follow during conclave

1. Secrecy is absolute — Cardinals are forbidden to reveal anything about the voting process, under penalty of excommunication.

2. No phones or devices — Modern conclaves ban cellphones, tablets, and recording devices to prevent leaks.

3. No outside contact — Cardinals must stay sequestered in Vatican City until a pope is elected.

4. Daily voting rounds — Up to 4 ballots are held per day until someone gets a two-thirds majority.

5. Sworn oath — Before voting, each cardinal takes an oath to uphold secrecy and abide by conclave rules.

Modern tech and anti-bugging measures at the conclave

· Jamming devices block cellphone and internet signals.

· Vatican security sweeps the Sistine Chapel for hidden bugs.

· Cardinal electors deposit ballots by hand — no electronic voting.

· Staff and aides also swear oaths of secrecy.

· Surveillance ensures no unauthorized recordings or messages.

Lito B. Zulueta, professor of journalism at the UST Faculty of Arts & Letters, covered the conclave of 2005 that elected Pope Benedict XVI and that of 2013 that elected Pope Francis.