Pope: 133 cardinals gather to elect new pope in secretive conclave

 The election of a new pope begins in the Vatican on Wednesday.

Two and a half weeks after the death of Pope Francis, 133 cardinals will gather in the Sistine Chapel to decide on his successor.

The first ballot is scheduled for the afternoon, but a swift decision is considered unlikely.

A two-thirds majority is required to elect a new pope.

A two-thirds majority is required to elect the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church. There are 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.

The conclave will take place in strict isolation from the outside world.

The cardinals must hand in their mobile phones, smartphones, and all other digital devices.

Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote.

The media and bookmakers currently favour the previous number two in the Catholic Church, Secretary of State Pietro Parolin.

As the most senior cardinal, the 70-year-old also presides over the conclave.

As tradition dictates, smoke will rise from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday evening following the first round of voting.

Black smoke signals no decision; white smoke means a new pope has been chosen.

Since the 1960s, conclaves have lasted only two or three days.

Francis died on April 21 at the age of 88.