Conclave to elect new pope to begin in Vatican | BBC News

More than 130 cardinals from across the world have gathered in the Vatican to begin the process of electing a new pontiff following the death of Pope Francis.

They will walk to the Sistine Chapel this afternoon to cast their votes beneath the famous Renaissance frescoes.

Once cardinals enter the chapel, around 17:30 local time (16:30 BST), the conclave begins and they will have no communication with the outside world until a new Pope is elected.

After the first vote later today, smoke will emerge from the Sistine Chapel chimney – black smoke means more voting will take place tomorrow, white means there’s a new pope.

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