Papal Conclave Schedule: When Do The Cardinals Vote For New Pope?

The College of Cardinals begins meeting in the Vatican Tuesday to select a new pope, following the shock resignation of Benedict XVI last month.

Here is the voting schedule of the papal conclave (Rome time).*

TUESDAY

10 a.m.-11:45 a.m.: Cardinals attend Mass in St. Peter's Basilica, then return to Vatican hotel.

3:45 p.m.: Cardinals go from their hotel to the Apostolic Palace, the official residence of the pope in Vatican City.

4:30 p.m.: A procession moves from the Pauline Chapel in the Vatican Palace to the Sistine Chapel.

4:45 p.m.-8 p.m.: Each cardinal will takes an oath, possibly followed by the initial vote. If this vote elects a new pope, white smoke will rise from the chimney to notify the world. If a new Holy Father is not named, black smoke will ascend.

8 p.m.: Cardinals engage in prayer session in the Sistine Chapel.

8:30 p.m.: Cardinals go back to their hotel.

WEDNESDAY AND THEREAFTER (in the event no new pope is elected on Tuesday)

7:45 a.m.: Cardinals journey from their hotel to the Pauline Chapel.

8:15 a.m.: Cardinals attend Mass in the Pauline Chapel.

9:30 a.m.: Cardinals hold prayer session in the Sistine Chapel, and then commence voting.

12:30 p.m.: Cardinals return to their hotel for lunch.

4 p.m.: Cardinals go back to the Sistine Chapel.

4:50 p.m.: Voting commences in the Sistine Chapel.

7:15 p.m.: Cardinals pray in the Sistine Chapel.

7:30 p.m.: Cardinals retire to their hotel.

*Source: Associated Press