Security systems for cardinals in place at Vatican
Sistine Chapel sealed off, cell phones jammed for conclave
08 March, 17:32
(ANSA) - Vatican City, March 8 - Tight security measures are
in place to protect the privacy of cardinals during the Vatican
conclave, while jammers are causing mobile phone difficulties in
the Vatican area.
The advanced technological means to 'jam' electromagnetic
frequencies are the same as those used by Italian soldiers in
Afghanistan to protect armoured vehicles from attack.
Security measures such as frisking will not be applied to
the cardinals, who "will not be searched" during the days of the
conclave, Father Federico Lombardi has told journalists.
Auxiliary personnel present at the conclave will instead
have to pass through metal detectors.
Father Lombardi said that there would be "electronic
screens" to protect the areas in which the conclave is to take
place, in order to prevent communications with the outside
world.
Two areas will be subjected to air-tight security.
The Sistine Chapel and adjacent areas will have both
restricted access and electronic screens, including as concerns
the adjacent rooms to prevent anyone from picking up what the
cardinals say.The other 'fortified' area will be the residence of Saint Martha, where the Cardinals will be staying. They will eat in common areas and have the chance to pray and undergo confession far from those who have not sworn to utmost secrecy. Moreover, Vatican security will be guarding the route the electors will be taking at least twice a day, in the morning and in the afternoon, leading from Saint Martha's Square to the heart of the Vatican, from which they will enter the Sistine Chapel.
Father Lombardi has said that Benedict XVI's motu proprio, with which he modified the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, allows cardinals to go to the Sistine Chapel on foot and not necessarily by van.
Brochure: 
