“I, N.N., promise and swear to observe absolute secrecy with anyone who is not part of the College of Cardinal Electors, and this in perpetuity, unless I receive special powers expressly granted by the newly elected Pontiff or his Successors, regarding everything that directly or indirectly concerns the voting and counting of votes for the election of the Supreme Pontiff.

I also promise and swear that I will refrain from using any recording, hearing, or viewing device regarding everything that takes place within Vatican City during the election period, and particularly anything that directly or indirectly in any way relates to operations related to the election itself.

I declare that I take this oath, aware that any violation of it would entail the penalty of excommunication latae sententiae reserved to the Apostolic See.

So help me God and these Holy Gospels that I touch with my hand.”

With these solemn words, the commitment of total confidentiality surrounding the Conclave is sealed, even long after its end. The oath was pronounced on Monday, May 5, 2025, in the Pauline Chapel of the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican, in compliance with the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, promulgated by Pope John Paul II on February 22, 1996.

Secrecy is absolute: no recordings, audio, or video. Any attempt to break this confidentiality is punishable by automatic excommunication (latae sententiae), imposed directly by the Holy See.

This oath is not exclusive to cardinals. It is taken by all those involved in the Conclave, both religious and lay, provided they have been approved by the Cardinal Camerlengo and the three attending cardinals.

Who participates? The list is extensive and It includes high-ranking religious officials and support staff:

• The Secretary of the College of Cardinals and the Master of Liturgical Celebrations, Monsignor Diego Ravelli.
• Seven papal masters of ceremonies.
• A trusted clergyman of the cardinal presiding over the Conclave.
• Two Augustinian religious in charge of the Papal Sacristy.
• Confessors in various languages.
• Doctors, nurses, and elevator operators of the Apostolic Palace.
• Cleaning and kitchen staff.
• Florist employees and service technicians.
• Drivers transporting the cardinals from Casa Santa Marta.
• Two officers of the Pontifical Swiss Guard, responsible for security in the Sistine Chapel.
• The Director of Security and Civil Protection of Vatican City State, along with part of his team.

Before taking the oath, all of them received a detailed explanation of its significance. They then recited and personally signed the official formula before Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, in the presence of two apostolic prothonotaries.