Vatican issues media access guidelines for conclave coverage in St. Peter’s Square

As the Catholic Church prepares for the start of the conclave on May 7, the Holy See Press Office has released detailed media access guidelines for journalists and broadcast teams covering the historic event in St. Peter’s Square.

From the afternoon of May 7 and in the days following, access to key media zones around the Vatican will be granted to accredited journalists and media professionals. 

Those holding valid Ordinary or Temporary accreditation for the event “Funeral of Pope Francis and Conclave” will be permitted to enter the Holy See Press Office, the Media Center (open daily from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM), and designated press positions.

These press areas include:

• The terrace of the Braccio di Carlo Magno, located at the colonnade of St. Peter’s Square.

• The press zones in Piazza Pio XII and Piazza Pia.

• The area beneath the steps of St. Peter’s Square, which is accessible to those with Ordinary PHOTO, VIDEO, or PRESS credentials.

Media personnel with Temporary PHOTO or VIDEO accreditation—specifically cameramen—may be admitted under the steps depending on space availability. These individuals will be accompanied by staff from the Press Office, moving from the Braccio di Carlo Magno location.

No new accreditation procedures will be accepted during the conclave. All access must be via pre-approved credentials, either Ordinary or Temporary, previously issued by the Vatican’s Media Accreditation Office.

To ensure security and orderly access, three official entry points have been designated:

• Via Rusticucci Gate (right side of the square, facing the Basilica), for access to the Press Office and Piazza Pio XII.

• Piazza del Sant’Uffizio Gate (left side, near the Via delle Fornaci tunnel), for direct access to St. Peter’s Square.

• Piazza Pia access point, for TV positions and the Media Center on Via dell’Ospedale, 1.

Media entry to the square is permitted between 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and again from 3:00 PM onwards each day. Journalists may also briefly use the security corridors on Via della Conciliazione for equipment transport and access.

Media Activity Regulations:

• Video and photo shooting are permitted only from the Braccio di Carlo Magno terrace and the area under the steps.

• Live TV broadcasts are strictly prohibited within St. Peter’s Square itself. Live coverage is only allowed from Piazza Pio XII and Piazza Pia, where official press tribunes are installed.

• After the main events, media may return to the square to perform stand-ups and visual reports, though interviews and live transmissions remain restricted.

• The use of wireless or radio-equipped cameras for live filming is not allowed in any area of the square.

The Vatican has reiterated that all coverage must adhere strictly to the security protocols and guidelines set forth by the Holy See Press Office and Vatican authorities.

As the world prepares to witness the election of the next pope, the Vatican ensures that media coverage will be orderly, respectful, and in keeping with the sacred character of this historic moment.