Friday : Before Friday 's meeting , several cardinals took to the Internet to offer prayers . The secretive election for a new pope will start Saturday . The chimney that sends the signals will be raised over the Sistine Chapel on Sunday . The 115 cardinal - electors will draw lots for the rooms in which they reside during the conclave .
NEW : Before Friday 's meeting , several cardinals took to the Internet to request prayers . The secretive election for a new pope will start Tuesday . The chimney that sends smoke signals could be raised over the Sistine Chapel on Friday . The 115 cardinal-electors will draw lots for the rooms in which they stay during the conclave .