The Cardinals’ secret oath refers to the solemn oath of secrecy taken by the College of Cardinals before and during the new pope’s election.
This solemn pledge binds all involved to absolute secrecy concerning any matters, directly or indirectly, related to the pope’s election. During the conclave, the cardinals are forbidden from contacting the outside world.
The pope’s election, known as the conclave, is one part of Church tradition that remains. It is shrouded in secrecy, with the term “conclave” coming from the Latin “cum” (with) and “clavis“ (key), signifying “a room that can be locked.”
Further, 133 cardinals, also referred to as the “Princes of the Church,” convene beneath the frescoed grandeur of the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican to cast their votes.
What Secret Oath Mean in the Pope Election
The commitment to secrecy is a lifelong process unless released by the newly elected pontiff or one of his successors.
Additionally, the oath also reinforces the strict ban on audio and video recording within the conclave environment, with violations incurring automatic excommunication “latae sententiae”, a penalty reserved for the Apostolic See to address.
The oath of secrecy, administered by Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, was sworn by all clergy and laypersons granted access to the conclave proceedings.
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Process of Taking an Oath
The cardinal electors will assemble in the Vatican’s Pauline Chapel before proceeding in a solemn procession to the Sistine Chapel, chanting the Litany of the Saints as they go. Upon reaching the entrance, they will sing Veni, Creator Spiritus, an invocation calling upon the Holy Spirit for guidance.
Inside the chapel, each cardinal will approach a lectern where the Gospel lies open. They will place a hand on the sacred text, he will individually take a solemn oath of secrecy, committing himself to uphold the confidentiality of the election process.
Only at this moment will Msgr. Diego Ravelli, the Master of Papal Liturgical Celebrations, proclaim the Latin command “Extra omnes!”, meaning “Everyone out!” at that point, all individuals except the 133 cardinal electors must leave the chapel.
Also Read: New Pope Election: What a Conclave Means and How it Works
Areas that will be Secluded During the Oath of Secrecy
Additional measures are also put in place to ensure complete security. The windows of the Sistine Chapel will be blacked out to prevent any external surveillance. Moreover, all rooms within the Vatican will be sealed, and thorough electronic sweeps will be conducted to detect any hidden bugs or transmitters.
The common areas of Santa Marta, where the cardinals will stay, including the kitchens, will be closely monitored with advanced anti-interception technologies to prevent eavesdropping.
Travel between Santa Marta and the Sistine Chapel will be carefully secured, with cardinals transported on isolated, monitored buses along a route that is free from any outside interference. For cardinals who prefer to walk, they will be required to follow a designated protected path, which will be closely guarded by the Vatican Swiss Guards.
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