The conclave to elect the new Pope, following the death of Francis, will be held soon. The cardinals are meeting on Monday to determine the date. It is a historic moment for the Church, full of solemnity, tradition and history. But that does not mean that the institution is far removed from modern technological threats. The measures both to ensure the safety of those attending and to prevent any information from leaking out during the process of electing the new pope are extreme. It is a bunker equipped with the most advanced resources.
Inhibitors, double recording and microphone search
The participants in the conclave are checked twice by security personnel, according to Wired magazine. In addition, frequency inhibitors are installed so that no information can be transmitted by electronic means. In the event that cameras or satellites wish to record from outside, the options are remote: all doors and windows are closed and specifically covered with opaque films.
As if that were not enough, those attending the conclave are forbidden to look out. On the other hand, all rooms are thoroughly checked for hidden microphones or cameras. There can be no leaks of any kind in an era when information circulates faster than ever before in history. The deliberation process is secret and the Church will communicate its decision as soon as an agreement is reached.
Heavy weapons and 650 cameras outside
Ensuring the safety of those attending the conclave to elect the new pope is another priority for the Gendarmerie Corps and the Pontifical Swiss Guard, who are responsible for this. Wired claims that in 2018 the number of cameras outside was 650. Surveillance will be carried out with satellites and will be ed by artificial intelligence. In addition, as Wired insists, the device will also have more classic and equally forceful elements: explosives and all kinds of police weaponry, including heavy weaponry.