The doors of the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican were closed on Wednesday, signalling the start of a secret conclave where 133 cardinals from around the world will elect a new pope.

The 133 cardinals from 70 countries will be locked inside the Sistine Chapel, where they will vote in secret and silence, a process designed to be both contemplative and free from outside

The smoke billowed out at 9 p.m. Wednesday, some four hours after 133 cardinals solemnly entered the Sistine Chapel, took their oaths of secrecy and formally opened the centuries-old ritual.