My name? Machiavelli.

Nick Machiavelli

Spying and intrigue and (Papal) Bull, Oh my!
And at the Vatican, no less. Whatever will we tell the children?

Spyware Threatens to Pierce Vatican Walls
By Aidan Lewis and Jim Krane
Associated Press Writers -- April 11, 2005, 9:25 AM CDT
Vatrican City -- Computer hackers, electronic bugs and supersensitive microphones threaten to pierce the Vatican's thick walls next week when cardinals gather in the Sistine Chapel to name a papal successor. Spying has gotten a lot more sophisticated since John Paul was elected in 1978, but the Vatican seems confident it can protect the centuries-old tradition of secrecy that surrounds the gathering. "It's not as if it's the first conclave we've handled," said one official, speaking on condition of anonymity.
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Thousands of reporters will be watching as the 115 cardinals gather in the Sistine Chapel on April 18. Hackers and government informants may also be monitoring the conclave.
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The temptations to spy will be immense. The papal election will likely see keen competition, notably between reformers and conservatives. It is also expected to witness a strong push for the first non-European pope. Revelations of the proceedings could prove embarrassing to the Vatican. For instance, sensitive discussions on a papal candidate's stand on relations with Muslims or Jews, recognizing China rather than Taiwan or views on contraception would be sought-after by governments or the press.
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But afterwards -- after the election, and the cassocks come off -- expect these Cardinals to get down! They work hard...they play hard, and they’re gonna par-tay, baby.

Party like it’s 1399!