The conclave to elect a new pope has officially begun after officials locked the doors to the Sistine Chapel following a ceremony in which cardinal electors processed in and each swore an oath of secrecy.
The first vote is expected to take place on Wednesday evening. If no candidate receives a two-thirds majority, the cardinals will vote again Thursday morning.
There are expected to be four votes per day on Thursday and Friday until a new pope is elected. If no one is elected by the end of Friday, the cardinals will spend Saturday as a day of prayer and reflection before voting again on Sunday.
Outsiders will know a pope has been elected once white smoke appears from the chimney above the chapel. Black smoke signifies no one has yet been elected.
