New pope: Black smoke rises from chimney over Sistine Chapel Tuesday, no new pope yet

VATICAN CITY - Black smoke rose Tuesday from the chimney over the Sistine Chapel, indicating that a new pope has not yet been selected.

The heavy wooden doors to the Sistine Chapel swung closed Tuesday, signaling the start of the secret election, or conclave, in which 115 Roman Catholic cardinals will pick the next pope.

From this point on, the only clue the world will have of what is happening inside will be periodic puffs of smoke that follow each round of voting.

Black smoke, no pope. White smoke, success.

Tuesday's thick puff of black smoke signaled no new pope has been elected yet.

On a day rich with symbolism, the scarlet-clad cardinals entered the Sistine Chapel in solemn procession, chanting prayers and watched over by the magnificent paintings of Renaissance artist Michelangelo.

Each of the cardinal-electors -- those under age 80 who are eligible to vote -- then swore an oath of secrecy, led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the most senior cardinal in the conclave.

A designated official then gave the order in Latin, "Extra omnes" -- that is, "Those who are extra, leave."

With all those not taking part in the conclave gone, the cardinals will remain locked in total isolation until one candidate can garner two-thirds of their votes.

That man will emerge from the process as the new spiritual leader of the world's 1.2 billion Roman Catholics.