
05/07/2025
When to Watch for White Smoke
On the first day of the Conclave (Wednesday, May 7), there will be just one vote. Expect the first smoke signal between 12:45 and 1:15 p.m. CST — white smoke means we have a new pope, black smoke means no decision yet.
Starting Thursday, May 8, the cardinals can vote up to four times a day — two in the morning and two in the afternoon. Smoke is usually seen twice a day, depending on whether a pope is elected.
Morning smoke signals may appear around:
3:30 a.m. (after first vote)
5:00 a.m. (after second vote)
Afternoon smoke signals may appear around:
10:30 a.m. (after third vote)
12:00 p.m. (after fourth vote)
If you see smoke early in a voting session, it’s probably white — meaning a new pope has been chosen!
Learn more about the conclave process here:
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-05/conclave-how-a-pope-is-elected.html