As soon as the conclave begins, this sort of behavior will be prohibited. The cardinals are not allowed to have any contact with the outside world, and certainly not with the press. They may only travel between the Casa Santa Marta, where they are staying, and the Sistine Chapel, without speaking to anyone.
This is seen as a very positive measure, because it ensures that the Cardinals cannot be influenced by the outside in anyway. No external opinions. It’s simply the cardinal, the Holy Spirit, the Church, and the decision of the College of Cardinals—that is what will prevail.
Inside the Sistine Chapel, no conversation is allowed, although talking is permitted during breaks, such as lunch and dinner, once the voting sessions have ended.
Fr. Álvaro Serrano, Expert in Church History
Perhaps between votes, or when they go to eat at Santa Marta, or once they leave the Sistine Chapel, they do start exchanging decisions again, exchanging opinions—and they are allowed to do that. But inside the Sistine Chapel, it's only: think, pray, vote, and silence.
They are also not allowed to have any electronic devices that could be used to communicate. In fact, the Vatican will deactivate all phone lines across its territory. The goal is to make the conclave completely sealed off so that absolutely nothing leaks.
Fr. Álvaro Serrano, Expert in Church History
They have no communication, no cell phones, they can’t talk to anyone… They’re ‘isolated’—which may sound like a big deal, but in reality, the last four papal elections have only lasted two or three days, so they’re not isolated for that long.
Among other things that are not allowed, cardinals can’t receive mail, watch television, or read the news.
But it’s not just the cardinals who face restrictions. Cleaners, doctors, drivers, and cooks—anyone who has direct or indirect contact with the cardinals—must remain silent about anything they see or hear.
They have also had to take an oath. If any of them break the rules, just like the cardinals, the punishment is excommunication.
CA
Trans. CRT
