The Sistine chapel will be "swept" for cell phones, laptop and bugging devices

As public concern grows over Pope John Paul II's health, the possibility of his death will set in motion a chain of Vatican rituals and procedures that -- with few variations and amendments -- have been in place for centuries.

This article by UPI goes over the chain of events which will take place, from slipping the papal ring off the pope's finger, to the nine days of official mourning, to the start of the conclave where the cardinals will select a new pope.

How is all this relevant to cell phones? As no contact with the outside world is allowed during the conclave, cell phones and laptops inside will be forbidden -- and the Sistine chapel will be "swept" electronically to prevent bugging.

emily | 1:01 PM | SMS and Religion |
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