Vatican to Disconnect Phones During Conclave for New Pope Election

The Vatican announced yesterday (05.05.2025) that it will cut off all phone communication within the city-state during the conclave to elect the new Pope, clarifying that St. Peter’s Square will not be affected. Specifically, as stated by the Vatican, the signal of all mobile phone carriers within its territory will be disabled from 3 PM local time (16:00 in Greece) on May 7th when the conclave begins. The telephone service ‘will be restored after the announcement of the election of the new Pontiff,’ according to the statement. Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni clarified to media representatives that the disruption will not impact St. Peter’s Square. Thousands of faithful are expected to gather in front of St. Peter’s Basilica, awaiting the announcement of Pope Francis’s successor, who passed away on April 21st. In total, 133 cardinals from around the world will spiritually lead 1.4 billion Catholics globally. The election takes place in absolute secrecy, and cardinals must surrender their mobile devices upon entering the conclave, Bruni reminded reporters.