Comunidad Santo Toribio Romo

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

Catholic Charities of the Texas Panhandle 🙏