clairobscur:
If I’m not mistaken, the tradition of locking in the cardinals isn’t related to an issue of secrecy, but to the concern that the conclave would elect a pope quickly (rather than roaming around, hold banquets or diplomatic meetings, whatever…). Traditionnally, it’s mentionned they’ve been so sequestered since one particular election during the late middle-ages/ early renaissance when the cardinals couldn’t manage to elect a new pope for a long period of time and the people of Rome eventually decided to actually lock them in with minimal comfort (food, water) until they would elect one, which was done in quick order.
This is true, but by now there is a secrecy issue as well. They’ve even installed devices to prevent cellular phones and similar modes of communication from working anywhere in Vatican City.
Why so much emphasis on secrecy? Why is it so important that no one hears what they’re saying?
Maybe it’s more that they don’t want outside influence? The same way you can’t wear campaign paraphernalia within 100 yards (?) of a polling place.