Black smoke was released from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday night, indicating that the first vote of the Papal Conclave had ended without a new pope being chosen.

The smoke signal came after 133 cardinals gathered in secrecy to begin the process of electing a new leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

Voting will continue daily until a candidate secures the required two-thirds majority.

White smoke from the chimney will eventually announce that a new pope has been elected.