Vatican to Suspend Phone Signal During Papal Conclave

In preparation for the conclave to elect a new pope, the Vatican has announced it will deactivate mobile phone signals within the city-state starting at 3:00 p.m. (1300 GMT) on May 7. The signal blackout, which will not extend to St Peter’s Square, is aimed at preserving the strict secrecy of the election process. The Vatican stated that full phone service will be restored only after the official announcement of the new pontiff.

The decision comes as 133 cardinals from around the world gather in Rome to participate in the closed-door proceedings inside the Sistine Chapel. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni confirmed that cardinals will be required to surrender their mobile devices upon entering the conclave to ensure confidentiality.

Thousands of faithful are expected to converge on St Peter’s Square to await the announcement of the new pope, following the death of Pope Francis on April 21. The conclave marks a pivotal moment for the Catholic Church’s 1.4 billion members worldwide.