Cardinals move into the Vatican premises in front of the conclave

Cardinals today begin to move into their Vatican premises, ahead of the beginning of the conclave and the election of a new pope, after Pope Francis’ death on April 21.

More than two weeks after Francis’ death, 133 cardinals tomorrow will gather in the Conclava Sistine Chapel, which can last for hours, days, and even months.

Cardinals are traditionally staying in the Vatican boarding house Santa Marta, which offers individual bathrooms and a hotel -style room service, but does not have enough rooms for everyone.

With participants from 70 countries on five continents, this conclava is the largest ever. Some of the cardinals will be housed in Santa Martha Weckia, a close building that is usually used to accommodate Vatican officials.

The cardinals will be able to enter the awarded rooms – which will be distributed by drawing – today and tomorrow morning, in front of the solemn mass marking the beginning of the conclave.

All cardinals swore secret, with punishment excommunication if they discover what is happening during the conclave. They are forbidden to communicate with the outside world until the new pope is elected.

The Vatican said yesterday that the phone signal would be cut off in the buildings where the conclave would take place, but not in St. Peter’s Square.

The cardinals will have to leave their cell phones at the beginning of the conclave. The public will be informed through the smoke of the ballots burning – black if there is no decision, white if a new pope is elected.

Doctors, drivers, chefs and cleaners who will be hired during the conclave have also been sworn in for the obligation of secrecy.