The papal conclave is taking place in the Vatican, where 133 cardinal electors meet in secret to choose the next leader of the Catholic Church. All employees providing services during this process have had to sign a confidentiality oath, as a measure to ensure discretion during the voting.
The cardinals are staying at the Santa Marta residence, while absolute cellular signal blockades are being enforced in the Vatican and its territories to prevent information leaks during the conclave. Additionally, all civil and religious officials have had to take a vow of silence, committing not to record any type of information during the election.
Since the death of John Paul II, it is known that the current Pope Francis had already drawn attention to the importance of maintaining confidentiality during the conclave, after a French cardinal violated the oath in 2013. This discretion has become even more crucial in the age of global networks, where information can spread rapidly.
In this conclave, there is a significant representation of cardinals from Asia, Africa, and America, reflecting the change in the geographical distribution of the Catholic Church in recent years. The discussion among the cardinals focuses on the future of the Church, with divergent stances between those advocating for a Church that is closer to the people and focused on pastoral care, and those who prefer a more doctrinal and centralized Church in Rome.
These contrasting perspectives reflect the challenges and opportunities facing the Church in the 21st century, in a world characterized by social, political, and cultural changes. The election of the next Pope will determine the direction the Church will take in the coming years, in a constantly transforming global context.
