It is a device worthy of a spy movie. The 133 Voters of the Cardinals will meet from this Wednesday, May 7, the day the conclave begins. Then they will vote in the most total secret to designate the successor of Pope Francis.
But in the era of drones, artificial intelligence (AI) of hidden microphones and satellites, it is difficult to guarantee the confidentiality of the vote. Then, the Vatican established a heavy protocol to avoid any leak before the official announcement of the new Pope.
As American Wired magazine reports, the Vatican seeks to avoid any communication with the outside. Any attempt to contact journalists or members outside the Vatican is strictly prohibited. It can even be punished with prison.
Two cases of cyber attacks
Networks have been installed in the areas where the cardinals will reside and vote. If a microphone, a phone or computer is entered, you can not transmit information outside.
But this possibility remains minimal. In fact, Vatican buildings are carefully inspected for several days upstream. They try to trace possible spy microphones or hidden cameras on the walls and decoration. Security teams also look for each cardinal or staff member twice.
To avoid satellites, drones or journalists to avoid faces, all doors and windows will close. The latter will also be covered with opaque movies to block any attempt to observe from abroad.
Finally, the Swiss Guard and the Vatican Gendarmerie will guarantee the security of the event. These local authorities are trained in the management of heavy weapons, such as machine guns or rifles. They are also equipped with anti-line systems.
A strict protocol therefore. But the Vatican prefers to take their precautions. Especially because the Holy See was already the victim of a cyber attack in 2022. Two years before, the Vatican had also been the objective of a cyber attack by China, with the sending of false emails to relatives of the Pope.
Source: BFM TV
