Cardinal found with phone during secret conclave to elect Pope Leo, book says

Published: Sunday, March 1, 2026 at 5:52 am

Cardinal's Phone Disrupts Papal Election, New Book Reveals

A recently released book, "The Election of Pope Leo XIV," details a significant security breach during the secret conclave that elected Pope Leo last May. The book, written by two veteran Vatican correspondents, reveals that a cardinal was discovered with a cellphone inside the Sistine Chapel, where the election took place. The chapel was equipped with jamming technology to prevent outside communication, making the discovery all the more surprising.

The incident occurred as the cardinals were preparing to cast their first vote. Security officials detected an active mobile signal, leading to the discovery of a phone in the possession of one of the 133 cardinals present. The book does not identify the cardinal or suggest any malicious intent, stating the cleric was disoriented and distressed by the situation.

The conclave, which lasted two days, from May 7th to 8th, was held to elect a successor to Pope Francis, who died in April. The election drew global attention, with speculation focusing on the possibility of a pontiff from Asia or Africa, given the diverse geographical representation of the cardinals. However, the book indicates that neither region gained significant support.

The book also provides insights into the voting process, revealing that two cardinals quickly emerged as frontrunners. Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin, a long-time Vatican official, was considered a favorite by many. The other was US Cardinal Robert Prevost, who ultimately became Pope Leo, the first pontiff from the United States. On the first ballot, Prevost received an unusually high number of votes. By the fourth ballot, Prevost secured the papacy with 108 votes.

The book's details are based on interviews with participating clerics, offering a rare glimpse into the normally secretive election process.

BNN's Perspective:

The revelation of a security breach during such a sensitive event highlights the challenges of maintaining secrecy in the modern age. While the incident itself may seem minor, it underscores the importance of adhering to established protocols and the potential for unforeseen disruptions. The book's insights into the voting process offer a valuable perspective on the internal dynamics of the Catholic Church.

Keywords: Pope Leo, conclave, cardinal, cellphone, security breach, Vatican, Sistine Chapel, election, Pope Francis, Robert Prevost, Pietro Parolin, voting, Catholic Church

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