How does voting work in a conclave, and when can we expect to see the black or white smoke? LifeSite’s explainer is here to answer your questions. Votive Mass and procession into the Sistine Chapel Wednesday, the first day of the conclave, sees all the cardinal electors gather in St. Peter’s Basilica, where they celebrate the special votive Mass for the election of a pope. The Mass takes place at 10 a.m.