Inside the Secret Tech Barrier Surrounding the 2025 Conclave
Published On: May 5, 2025
As the Catholic Church prepares to elect a new pope, the Vatican is quietly upgrading security around the upcoming conclave. Scheduled to begin on May 7, the event will bring together about 135 cardinals inside the Sistine Chapel for a closed-door voting process that may last days or even weeks.
The Vatican isn’t just relying on tradition to keep the 2025 conclave under wraps. They’re using modern tech to make sure what happens inside the Sistine Chapel stays there. Every step—from communication signals to drone visibility—is being locked down to prevent even the smallest detail from slipping out.
One of the most significant updates is the installation of cellphone-blocking floor tiles inside the chapel. These tiles are designed to prevent signals from passing through, making sure that no messages can be sent or received. Additional electronic jamming devices are placed high up on the walls to block Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other forms of communication.
To stop aerial surveillance, privacy film has been added to the chapel’s windows. This makes it difficult for drones to capture clear images or videos from above. Security teams also carry out detailed sweeps of the chapel before the conclave begins, checking for hidden recording devices or any other unauthorized equipment.
There are physical safeguards in place as well. Only authorized individuals can enter the area, and guards will be stationed around the premises throughout the event. The cardinals themselves stay nearby in the Santa Marta residence, which is also under tight security.
These measures build on protocols used during previous conclaves. In 2013, the Vatican implemented Faraday cages—structures that block electromagnetic signals—to protect certain areas, including the chapel and meeting halls. That same concept is expected to return this year with newer, more advanced systems.
Though the security approach continues to evolve, some traditions remain. The Vatican will again use the traditional smoke signals to communicate the outcome. Black smoke means no decision has been reached; white smoke signals the election of a new pope. A second chimney has been added—one for burning the ballots, the other for sending the smoke signal—so the process stays clear and controlled.