Preparations for conclave continue
In detail, this Friday morning the installation of the traditional metallic duct was carried out, mounted on the roof of the chapel, which fulfills a crucial function in the ritual: emit black or white smoke according to the outcome of the voting.
Every two voting rounds, ballots cast with votes from the cardinals They are burned in a special oven. If there is no agreement, a chemical mixture is added – including potassium, anthracene and sulfur perchlorate – that causes black smoke. On the other hand, when the necessary majority of two thirds are reached, a new formula produces the Expected white smoke that announces the new Pontiff to all present the Plaza de San Pedro and in the world.
The last time this system was activated was on March 13, 2013 – more than 12 years ago -, when, after the fifth scrutiny, the white smoke pointed out the election of the Argentine cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who minutes later appeared as Pope Francis.
The placement of the duct coincided with the previous meetings between cardinals in Rome, called General congregations. In these meetings – that also include the sloping people over 80 years of age without the right to vote -, the current state of the Church and the profile that the future Supreme Pontiff should have.
As it transpired, the issues addressed included the complex Vatican financial situationthe structural challenges of the institution and a review of the Argentine’s pontificate legacy in terms of governance, reforms and interreligious relationships.
The conclave, as is tradition, will be developed under strict isolation. All activity will concentrate on the Sistine Chapel, a space loaded with symbolism and epicenter of the most transcendental decisions of Catholicism.
Digital safety in conclave
The conclave to choose the Argentine successor will have an extra peculiarity: it will be the first to happen in a fully digital era. Thus, in addition to the traditional preparations, the Vatican also advances with an unprecedented reinforcement to protect the confidentiality of the process.
According to the Italian media, the Sera chapel was sophisticated computer isolation system that combines advanced technology, physical barriers and strict surveillance. Cell phones and social networks are observed as the new risks that can break the incommunication during vote.
Thus, among the measures, the installation of frequency blockers, which prevent any type of Wireless connection inside the enclosure. This includes the cancellation of cell phones, smart watches, wifi, bluetooth or mobile networks.
Cardinals Conclave Pope Vatican Church
To prevent possible visual or auditory intrusions from abroad, Special anti-Drone and anti-the spy films were applied in the windowsdesigned to block both the collection of images and acoustic transmissions. In addition, security experts performed electronic sweeps to detect hidden microphones or other espionage devices, reviewing not only the chapel but also its adjacent accesses and areas.
As part of the protocol, all the wandered They must deliver any electronic device before entering: Cell phones, tablets, laptops or any device with connection or storage will be completely out. The only form of communication during the conclave It will be verbal and face -to -face.
The search for secrecy caused even The computer system for internal logistic tasks will work completely disconnected from the Internet. With this objective in mind, the authorities of the Holy See transferred the servers to safe environments, such as the Vatican Apostolic Library.
Faced with any eventuality, the Vatican Gendarmerie ordered an encrypted radio network, based on military standards, to maintain safe internal communications and avoid leaks. As the key day approaches, expectations grow both inside and outside the Vatican. The white smoke will be again The unequivocal sign that a new chapter in the history of the Church is about to begin.
Source: Ambito
