This Monday, both ecclesiastics and laity designated for the Conclave, approved by the Cardinal Camerlengo and the three Cardinal Assistants according to the Apostolic Constitution 'Universi Dominici Gregis' n. 48, took the confidentiality oath in the Pauline Chapel, Third Loggia of the Apostolic Palace. With these words, they sealed the commitment to maintain absolute secrecy regarding everything related to the Conclave that will begin this Wednesday.
The oath includes the promise not to disclose any information to individuals outside of the College of Electoral Cardinals, unless special authority is received from the new Pontiff or his successors. Likewise, they commit to not using any recording devices, audio or visual, during the election process in the Vatican City.
The oath was pronounced in compliance with the apostolic constitution 'Universi Dominici Gregis', promulgated by Pope John Paul II in 1996. Any violation of this oath entails the penalty of latae sententiae excommunication, reserved to the Apostolic See.
The secrecy is absolute and audio or video recordings are not allowed. Those participating in the Conclave include high-ranking religious officials to support staff, such as papal masters of ceremonies, staff of the Pontifical Sacristy, confessors, doctors, nurses, cleaning staff, kitchen staff, florists, drivers, officials of the Pontifical Swiss Guard, as well as security and civil protection personnel from the Vatican City State.
Before taking the oath, all participants received a detailed explanation of their confidentiality obligation. They then personally recited and signed the official formula before Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, in the presence of two Apostolic Protonotaries.
