The cardinals responsible for the election of a new pope are locked inside the Sistine Chapel for the secret ballot – for the first smoke to emerge from the Vatican chimney.
Black smoke means more voting will take place tomorrow, white means a new Pope has emerged.
Before the doors shut, cardinals took an oath of secrecy in which they promised to keep secret all matters related to the vote and that whoever is elected will faithfully execute the role.
Until a new pope is elected, the Cardinals will now have no communication with the outside world, meaning the conclave has officially started.
A new Pope is to be elected following the passing of Pope Francis, who died at the age of eighty-eight (88) on Easter Monday, 21 April, 2025.
Photo: Sistine Chapel where more than 100 Cardinals will cast their ballots for the election of a new Pope. X/@VaticanNews
