Updated

Mon., April 18 at 4 a.m. ET
Hosted by Chris Wallace and Jon Scott

On Monday, the conclave to elect the 265th pontiff begins with a mass in St. Peter's Basilica (search) to be celebrated by German Cardinal Josef Ratzinger (search).

Starting that afternoon, 115 cardinals will send up smoke signals from the burned ballot papers of the vote to indicate whether they have found a successor to Pope John Paul II. Black smoke means no pope has been elected; white smoke signals a new pope.

The smoke is made by the burned ballot papers from each vote, treated with special chemicals to make it black or white.

Late Friday, Vatican (search) housekeepers, drivers and others with access to cardinals during the conclave took an oath of secrecy, promising never to reveal the selection details unless the new pontiff himself authorizes it.

Join FOX News for our special coverage of the Papal Conclave Mass with hosts Chris Wallace in Rome and Jon Scott live from New York.