In ensuring the integrity of the process to elect the new Pontiff On Monday, 5 May 2025, at 5: 30 PM, in the Pauline Chapel of the Apostolic Palace, Officials and Staff involved in the Conclave that begins later today took oath of secrecy, as stipulated by the Apostolic Constitution – Universal Dominici Gregis promulgated by Pope John Paul on 22 February 1996.
The oath of secrecy, was administered by Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church and was taken by all individuals – both clergy and laity – approved by the Camerlengo and the three Cardinals assistant.
The group that took the oath of secrecy includes the Secretary of the College of Cardinals, the Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations, the ecclesiastic chosen by the Cardinal presiding over the Conclave to assist him, two Augustinian religious assigned to Papal Sacristy, religious personnel of various languages for confessions, medical doctors and nurses, elevator operators of the Apostolic Palace, staff responsible for dining service and cleaning as well as florists, technical staff and those responsible for transporting electors from the Case Santa Marta to the Apostolic Palace, the colonel and a major of the Pontifical Swiss Guard assigned to surveillance near the Sistine Chapel, the Director of Security Services and Civil Protection of the Vatican City State, along with some of his collaborators.
Each individual after being instructed on the significance of the oath, personally pronounced and signed the prescribed formula in the presence of Cardinal Farrell with two apostolic protonotaries acting as witnesses.
The oath that took place on Monday, includes a solemn promise to maintain absolute secrecy regarding all matters directly or indirectly relating for the voting and scrutiny for the election of the Supreme Pontiff, with a perpetual obligation unless expressly authorised by the newly elected Pope or his successors.
It also reaffirms the prohibition of audio and video recording devices, under penalty of latae sententiae excummunication reserved to Apostolic See.
The ceremony indicates the Church’s commitment to confidentiality and sanctity of the Papal elect, on process, ensuring that all auxiliary personnel uphold the integrity of the Conclave.
