Some Details about the Upcoming Conclave

From Inside the Vatican:

-- a Mass before the conclave will be celebrated with the cardinal electors in St. Peters on Monday April 18, at 10 am, presided over by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger. Following this, at 4:30 pm, the cardinals will move into the Sistine Chapel and the St. Martha residence, and take their oath etc.

-- the famous white (or black) smoke is supposed to arise from the Sistine Chapel each day at about 11 am, 12.30 am, 6 pm and 7.30 pm

-- a 2/3 vote is needed to elect a new Pope. After 30 unsuccessful ballots, a 1/2 majority is sufficient to elect the new Pope

-- after 3 balloting days, 1 day of prayer and reflection takes place (i.e., in the first week, this means that no votes will take place on Thursday)

-- most people believe that it won't come to this. The cardinals will be under pressure to demonstrate that the Church is united. Predications are that the new Pope will be elected no later then Tuesday or Wednesday.

-- the new Pope will come out on the balustrade about 1/2 to 1 hour after the white smoke has arisen

-- the installation of the new Pope is to take place on the Sunday after the election. This was previously known as the coronation, but Paul VI abolished this ritual and instead sold the pontifical crown to the Knights of Columbus in order to use the money for the poor. The crown is now on display in Washington, D.C.