The Vatican has decided to disable mobile phone signals throughout its territory during the Conclave, where a new Pope will be elected. However, St. Peter’s Square will remain unaffected.
The president of Vatican City announced that starting from 3 PM on May 7th (1300 GMT), all mobile communication systems will be turned off.
According to the statement, these signals will be restored once the election of the Supreme Bishop is announced.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni also informed reporters about the procedure.
Thousands of faithful are expected to gather in front of St. Peter’s Cathedral, eagerly awaiting news regarding who will succeed Pope Francis, who died on April 21st.
A total of 133 Cardinals from around the globe will congregate in the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday to commence the voting process for the new leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.
The election will take place under strict secrecy, and as Bruni indicated, the Cardinals will have to leave their phones behind when they enter the Conclave.
