Cardinals from across the world gather in the Vatican to elect new pope

This afternoon, they will walk to the Sistine Chapel to cast their votes beneath the famous Renaissance frescoes.BBC reported.

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

This marks the beginning of the conclave - which comes from the Latin for "cum clave", or "locked with key"

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 we have a new pope