Thousands gathered in St Peter’s Square throughout the day, braving hours of anticipation to watch the ancient process unfold on giant video screens.
Applause broke out as the chapel doors closed behind 133 cardinals, marking the start of a secretive conclave steeped in centuries of tradition.
After the vote dragged on into dinnertime, some left in frustration, but those who stayed cheered when the smoke finally billowed out.
The cardinals, participating in the most geographically diverse conclave in the Church’s history, returned to the Sistine Chapel on Thursday morning to begin their search for a successor to Pope Francis.
