Conclave 2025: Why Even the Cooks Swear a Secrecy Oath

What Is the Conclave Secrecy Oath?

When a papal election starts, silence isn’t just golden—it’s mandatory. Every support worker – from Swiss Guards to kitchen crews – must raise their right hand in the Pauline Chapel and vow never to reveal what they see or hear. Breaking that promise brings automatic excommunication under Church law.

Why the Vatican Locks Things Down

• Preserve the cardinals’ freedom from outside pressure
• Prevent leaks that could sway votes
• Protect the spiritual focus of the election

Who Takes the Oath?

It’s not just clergy. The list usually tops 100 people, including:

1. Cooks & waitstaff—they prepare and serve all meals.
2. Housekeepers—they clean Casa Santa Marta daily.
3. Medical personnel—on call 24/7 for emergencies.
4. IT & security techs—run signal‑jamming devices around the Sistine Chapel.

What Happens If Someone Talks?

• Penalty: Instant excommunication—no trial needed.
• History: The rule dates back to 1274 and has survived 35 popes.

To date, no support worker has ever been publicly charged with breaking the oath. That spotless record reinforces the conclave’s credibility.

How This Impacts You, the Curious Catholic

• Transparency vs. Mystery: The oath protects the vote’s integrity, so when white smoke appears, you can trust the result.
• Spiritual focus: Silence helps cardinals discern without noise—an approach we can all mirror when making big life decisions.