Kellie Michaels Day To Day

Vatican Releases Smoke Signal Schedule

By Kellie Michaels CREATED Mar. 12, 2013

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Here is the expected Pope Vote "smoke schedule" put out by The Vatican:

-- The first smoke signal is most likely expected about 7 p.m. Vatican time (1 p.m. CDT) Tuesday March 12 -- if the cardinal electors decide to cast a vote the first day of the conclave. It is not likely that a new Pope would be elected on the first ballot.

-- A Second and third smoke signal on a losing ballot would be expected Wednesday, March 13 at about noon (6 a.m. CDT) and again about 7 p.m. (1 p.m. CDT).

-- However, if a pope is elected on the first ballot of the morning Wednesday, the white smoke would show up between 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. (4:30 a.m. and 5 a.m. CDT). If the pope is elected on the first ballot of the afternoon, the white smoke would be seen between 5:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. (1:30 p.m. and 12 p.m. CDT).

-- Note, after a successful ballot, and a white smoke signal, it will take about 40-45 minutes before the official announcement of who the new Pope is. He must accept the office and change to white vestments before he comes out on the balcony.