Conclave Live: Times and key moments for the announcement of the new pope at the Vatican

The Vatican conclave begins, the secret meeting of cardinals of the Catholic Church charged with electing the new pontiff following the death of Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Pope Francis , more than two weeks ago. The announcement will be made official when white smoke rises from the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel , a symbol of the new pope.

Francis , of Argentine origin, was the first Latin American pontiff in the history of the Church. Now, thousands of faithful around the world are waiting to find out who will succeed him as the spiritual leader of millions of Catholics worldwide.

According to information from Europa Press , the process officially begins on Wednesday, May 7 at 9:15 a.m. (Mexico time), when the 133 cardinal electors will enter the Sistine Chapel in procession from the Pauline Chapel, after a mass in which they will wear the corresponding liturgical vestments.

Once there, they will take the oath of confidentiality and, after the “ extra omnes ” (everyone out), the conclave will begin.

The first vote is scheduled to begin around 10:30 a.m. , and the first sign of smoke, likely black, is expected to appear between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. If the result is inconclusive, the process will continue the following day.

Starting Thursday, May 8, the daily voting schedule will be as follows:

• 7:45 a.m.: The cardinals leave the Santa Marta residence for the Apostolic Palace.
• 08:15 hours : Mass in the Pauline Chapel.
• 9:15 AM : Morning voting begins. If two ballots are required, smoke signals are expected between 10:30 AM and 12:30 PM.

After a lunch break, voting resumes in the afternoon:

• 4:30 p.m .: Second session of the day.
• Evening smoke signals (if successful) could be seen between 5:30 and 7:00.

The new pope must be elected by a qualified majority: at least 89 votes out of the 133 cardinals present. If after several votes, this number is not reached, a one-day pause will be held for reflection and dialogue, before eventually proceeding to a vote between the two candidates with the most votes.

In the event of an election, white smoke will rise from the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel . From that moment on, according to Europa Press , up to an hour may pass before the official announcement, due to internal rituals:

• Acceptance of the position
• Change of clothes
• Oath of obedience of the other cardinals

Finally, Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti will step out onto the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica and pronounce the phrase: "Habemus papam," followed by the name of the new pontiff, who will then give the Urbi et Orbi Apostolic Blessing.

Follow the conclave live in Spanish here: