By Currents News
The radio silence inside the Vatican goes beyond phone signals. Before the conclave begins, officials take an oath of secrecy.
Currents News’ Melissa Butz Corsi Currents News from the Eternal City to talk about this ancient practice.
Christine Persichette: We know the cardinals will take an oath of secrecy before the conclave begins May 7, but does anyone else have to take this vow?
Melissa Butz Corsi: Yes, in fact, all officials: staff, cooks, confessors, elevator operators, etc. had to take this oath of secrecy to ensure that if they hear anything while working, it does not get out to the public.
This happened May 5 evening at 5:30 p.m. in the Pauline Chapel.
Camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Farrell administered it to the laity and clergy assisting with the conclave.
CP: The oath is quite serious. What happens if someone breaks it?
MBC: It’s very serious. Before taking it, each staff member is informed of its importance and what it means for the church and the conclave.
Recording audio and video is forbidden by staff and if someone is caught, the penalty is excommunication by the Apostolic See.
CP: And is it the same oath the laity take, that the cardinals take?
MBC: The cardinals’ is just a tad different. The cardinals promise, if elected, to fulfill the role of pastor of the UniversalCatholic Church.
It comes from the apostolic constitution Pope John Paul II wrote in 1996, “Universi Dominici Gregis.”
Along with that, they cannot have any phones, internet, newspapers, TV or anything that could sway their vote during the conclave.
The same penalty goes for them: excommunication if they were to break the seal.