Vatican Prepares for Papal Conclave Amid Cybersecurity Challenges

As the Catholic Church enters a period of transition following the death of Pope Francis, Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, a former Bishop of Dallas, has taken on the vital role of Camerlengo, overseeing the Vatican’s administration during the interregnum and preparing for the election of a new pope. This transition comes amid heightened concerns for Vatican security, especially after a 2020 cyberattack allegedly orchestrated by Chinese hackers during sensitive negotiations over the appointment of bishops in China, prompting the Vatican to bolster its cybersecurity defenses. The Vatican, while a global institution, remains deeply reliant on local structures and personal relationships, reflecting the principle of subsidiarity in its approach to governance and spiritual life. Life behind the Vatican’s walls, often viewed as mysterious or secretive, is also marked by the everyday work of ordinary staff and clergy, whose dedication sustains the Church through both routine and historic moments.