Conclave Voting and Expect Smoke Schedule
Prayer by Father Chad Ripperger
Lord Jesus Christ, by entrusting to St. Peter and his successors the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, thou didst establish the office of the papacy. Grant to thy Church, we beseech thee, a pope who, in his dedication to the Sacred Tradition of the Church, will seek to govern the Church according to the Deposit of Faith and for the salvation of souls.
Immaculate Mary, Mother of the Church and queen of Confessors, we consecrate to thee the conclave and the election of the Holy Father. Blessed Mother, look not upon our sinfulness or upon the infidelity of many Catholics who do not accept the teaching of thy Son, but upon the Church which is the spotless Bride of thy Son, so that we do not get the leader we deserve, but a Holy Father who will guide the church for the glory and honor of thy Son.
Amen.
Downloadable Image of Schedule
🕊️ 2025 Papal Conclave Schedule (May 7–10)
The following is the official schedule for the 2025 Papal Conclave, based on Vatican press bulletins and traditional conclave procedures. All times are given in Central European Summer Time (CEST), with conversions to Eastern Time (ET), Central Time (CT), and Pacific Time (PT) provided for reference.
🔹 Wednesday, May 7 – Opening of the Conclave
10:00 AM CEST (4:00 AM ET · 3:00 AM CT · 1:00 AM PT)
Mass Pro Eligendo Pontifice (Mass for the Election of the Roman Pontiff) celebrated at St. Peter’s Basilica. Presided by the Dean of the College of Cardinals and concelebrated by all electors.
4:30 PM CEST (10:30 AM ET · 9:30 AM CT · 7:30 AM PT)
The cardinals gather in the Pauline Chapel, pray the Litany of the Saints, and process into the Sistine Chapel singing Veni Creator Spiritus. Each cardinal takes an oath of secrecy. Once the command “Extra omnes” is given, the chapel is sealed, and the conclave officially begins.
Evening
A first scrutiny (vote) may take place if time allows.
Expected smoke signal (black or white):
- 7:00–8:00 PM CEST
- 1:00–2:00 PM ET
- 12:00–1:00 PM CT
- 10:00–11:00 AM PT
🔹 Thursday to Saturday – May 8, 9, 10
Each full day may include up to four votes: two in the morning and two in the afternoon. Smoke is released twice daily—after the morning and afternoon sessions.
🌅 Morning Session
7:45 AM CEST (1:45 AM ET · 12:45 AM CT · 10:45 PM PT)
Cardinals depart their residence to begin the day’s work.
8:15 AM CEST (2:15 AM ET · 1:15 AM CT · 11:15 PM PT)
Mass and Morning Prayer (Lauds) in the Pauline Chapel.
9:15 AM CEST (3:15 AM ET · 2:15 AM CT · 12:15 AM PT)
First morning scrutiny begins in the Sistine Chapel.
10:30 AM CEST (4:30 AM ET · 3:30 AM CT · 1:30 AM PT)
A second morning vote may follow immediately.
Smoke signal from morning votes:
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- 11:30 AM–12:00 PM CEST
- 5:30–6:00 AM ET
- 4:30–5:00 AM CT
- 2:30–3:00 AM PT
🌇 Afternoon Session
3:45 PM CEST (9:45 AM ET · 8:45 AM CT · 6:45 AM PT)
Cardinals reconvene for afternoon voting.
4:30 PM CEST (10:30 AM ET · 9:30 AM CT · 7:30 AM PT)
First afternoon scrutiny begins.
5:30–6:30 PM CEST (11:30 AM–12:30 PM ET · 10:30–11:30 AM CT · 8:30–9:30 AM PT)
A second vote may follow.
-
Smoke signal from afternoon votes:
- 6:30–7:00 PM CEST
- 12:30–1:00 PM ET
- 11:30 AM–12:00 PM CT
- 9:30–10:00 AM PT
-
7:30 PM CEST (1:30 PM ET · 12:30 PM CT · 10:30 AM PT)
Cardinals return to their residence for the night.
🔸 Saturday, May 10 – If the Conclave Continues
- If no pope is elected by May 9, voting continues using the same schedule.
- According to conclave norms, a day of prayer and reflection (a pause) may occur after several days of inconclusive voting.
- If a pope is elected at any point, white smoke will be seen, followed by the ringing of the bells and the "Habemus Papam" announcement from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica.
🔔 What Does the Smoke Mean?
- Black Smoke – No pope elected. Voting continues.
- White Smoke – A new pope has been chosen. The bells of St. Peter’s Basilica will ring to confirm.
📖 Sources
- Holy See Press Office, Office of Liturgical Celebrations
- Vatican News
- Catholic News Agency
- EWTN News
- PhilStar Life