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The Vatican will deactivate all mobile phone signals on Wednesday at 3 p.m. local time (9 a.m. ET) ahead of the papal conclave to elect Pope Francis' successor. Signal jammers will be used around the Sistine Chapel to ensure secrecy. The 133 cardinals participating will surrender their electronic devices on Tuesday. Security measures, including metal detectors and anti-drone systems, have been heightened in St. Peter's Square, while the conclave itself will maintain complete isolation. This practice mirrors the tradition of secrecy surrounding papal elections.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.