Veil of Silence: Oath-Taking Ceremony for Vatican Conclave Support Staff

The Vatican's cardinals, along with various clerical and lay support staff, are taking an oath of secrecy prior to the conclave to elect a new pope. This solemn promise, sealed by Vatican law, comes with the threat of automatic excommunication for any breach. Preparations include logistical setups in the Sistine Chapel.

At the heart of the Vatican, an array of cleaners, cooks, doctors, and even elevator operators are taking a solemn oath of secrecy ahead of the conclave to elect Pope Francis's successor. This sacred undertaking, scheduled for Monday, holds automatic excommunication as the penalty for any breach.

Set in the resplendent Pauline Chapel, this oath ceremony involves both clerical and lay staff, underscoring the critical yet unsung roles these individuals play. From medical support to maintaining the grandeur of the Sistine Chapel, they're vital cogs in the conclave's intricate dynamics. While cardinals will take their oath on Wednesday, the event's duration remains as enigmatic as the final puff of white smoke signaling a new pope's election.

Pope John Paul II's 1996 document on papal elections emphasizes the gravity of this secrecy, further reinforced by Pope Benedict XVI's amendments. The oath, a binding promise to uphold 'absolute and perpetual secrecy,' forbids the use of recording devices, encapsulating the conclave's enduring tradition within Vatican walls.

(With inputs from agencies.)