This Thursday, the Vatican announced the election of a new Pope: Leo XIV. The selection was conducted behind closed doors in accordance with church tradition but incorporated an unprecedented cyber security strategy to prevent any leaks before the official announcement.
The Sistine Chapel was equipped with state-of-the-art surveillance systems linked to an underground control center, featuring over 650 active cameras around the clock, among other tools.
During the last conclave in 2013, a Faraday cage was reported to have been installed. These devices can enhance security by shielding communications from electromagnetic fields.
In 2025, security measures were escalated. On Monday, the office of the Governor of Vatican City sent out a notice to its “dear clients” stating that the mobile phone towers in the world’s smallest sovereign state would be deactivated at 15:00 local time on Wednesday, and would remain off until after the new Pope’s name was announced.
Last week, the main residence of Santa Marta was cleared of its guests and long-term residents, such as cardinals, to allow security staff to conduct an electronic sweep of the area.
The main entrance was closed, and a sign was placed directing the cardinals to use a side entrance on the left, according to a guest who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity. The Wi-Fi signal inside the residence was significantly weaker than usual on Monday, he added.
There were also constant inspections to detect hidden devices or suspicious activities.
AI’s Role in Protecting the Conclave’s Secrets
“While it may seem contradictory for such a traditional institution to turn to emerging technologies, this decision highlights the Vatican’s commitment to responsible modernization and the protection of its institutional integrity,” stated the cybersecurity company Cyberpeace.
Artificial intelligence played a significant role, functioning as a real-time analysis tool for surveillance footage.
“This technology enables the detection of unusual movements, out-of-place objects, or any potential threats, thereby enhancing the level of control and incident response,” added Cyberpeace.
The firm acknowledged that the Vatican’s approach could serve as a model for Mexico and other countries facing similar challenges in confidential processes like elections, trials, or high-profile events.
“The combination of surveillance, AI, and communication control represents an effective strategy for protecting critical information,” they said.
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Lucas Monroe tracks the latest trends in mobile and 5G innovation. His work spans hardware analysis, telecom breakthroughs, and ecosystem development in next-gen connectivity.