VATICAN CITY BEGINS FIRST DAY OF CONCLAVE- One ballot is scheduled for today
The Vatican City has begun the crucial first day of conclave today.
Around 133 cardinals under the age of 80 will gather in the Sistine Chapel to elect a successor to Pope Francis, who died last month, depriving themselves of all contact with the outside world until they have found a name.
One ballot is scheduled for today, but voting could continue for several days before one of the red-hatted princes of the Church receives the necessary two-thirds majority to become the 267th pontiff.
From Thursday, the cardinals can vote as many as four times a day. Black smoke from a chimney on the roof of the chapel will mark an inconclusive vote, while white smoke will signal that a new pope has been elected.
