Prayer and oaths of secrecy as papal election begins

The 133 cardinal electors failed to elect a successor to Pope Francis on the opening day of the conclave at the Vatican

- RACHEL CLUN ALASTAIR JAMIESON

One hundred and thirty-three cardinals filed into the Sistine Chapel yesterday, swearing an oath of secrecy to begin deliberations on who should lead the Catholic church following the death of Pope Francis.

Behind them, the great doors swung I shut after the cry of "extra omnes" - Latin for "all out" - as they began the centuries-old ritual and opened the most geographically diverse conclave in the faith's 2,000-year history. They will remain shut off from the outside world until a choice is made, indicated by white smoke.

As dusk fell over St Peter's Square, the first day's discussions ended as expected with thick black smoke from the chapel chimney, meaning the conclave will resume today when further votes will be held.

Events began with a special mass in St Peter's Basilica, where the dean of the College of Cardinals Giovanni Battista Re prayed for the cardinals to be enlightened to choose "the pope our time needs".