The process to elect the next Pope's underway, 16 days after the death of Pope Francis.
Earlier all 133 voting cardinals swore an oath of secrecy before the doors of the Sistine Chapel were shut to the world.
Crowds watched from outside, with big screens showing proceedings in the relatively mild (for Rome) 18 degree heat today.
That came after a special mass.
After the first ballot later today, smoke will emerge from the chapel's chimney – with white signalling a new Pontiff, however black smoke will signal they have failed to elect one.
They will remain cut off from the world until there is a decision.
'Extra omnes', 'everyone out'.
The doors of the Sistine Chapel close with this proclamation, and all non-essential personnel exit.
Now that they have left, Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa will deliver a meditation, inviting the cardinals into a space of prayer and discernment… pic.twitter.com/tY5jrtqvGi
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) May 7, 2025
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It's considered an unpredictable Conclave, though 70-year-old Italian Pietro Parolin, is deemed the front-runner.
He was in a role often referred to as deputy pope - and while reserved, condemned the legalisation of same-sex marriage in many countries.
But, if Fridolin Ambongo Besungu is elected - he'd be the first pontiff from Africa.
Hungarian Peter Ordo went against Pope Francis's call for churches to take in refugees - he's also a contender.
It's unlikely that the conclave will elect an American pope, but Joseph Tobin's name's also among those being considered.
