Vatican exposure book claims cardinal had cell phone in conclave

The election of Pope Leo XIV last year was accompanied by a scene that, according to the authors of a new book, `would surpass even a movie.‘ Just before the first vote in the Sistine Chapel, security forces detected an active mobile signal.

It turned out that one of the cardinals had a phone in his pocket, despite a strict vow of secrecy and the surrender of all devices. The incident reportedly left him disoriented and taken aback, but his identity was not disclosed.

The publication also reveals details of the voting itself. The conclave, which took place on May 7 and 8 after the death of Pope Francis, was closely watched.

Although a shift towards Asia or Africa was expected, support focused on two men – Pietro Parolin and American Cardinal Robert Prevost. The latter received surprisingly strong support in the first round and won the fourth vote with 108 votes.

(reuters, mja)