WATCH | The wait continues: Black smoke rises above Vatican City

The first day of the papal conclave ended without the election of a new pope, as black smoke rose from the chimney above the Sistine Chapel just after 9pm.

Earlier in the afternoon, 133 cardinal electors gathered inside the chapel, taking a solemn oath of secrecy before the doors were shut by Swiss Guards. The cardinals then proceeded with their first ballot to select a successor to Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday.

The master of ceremonies shutting the door of the Sistine Chapel with only voting cardinals inside (Photo: Vatican News)

READ ALSO | The cardinals who will choose the next pope

However, no candidate received the necessary two-thirds majority required to be elected. The black smoke signalled to the world that the cardinals remain in deliberation, with voting set to continue tomorrow.

READ ALSO | What happens in the secret gathering to elect a pope

The conclave will persist until agreement is reached and white smoke confirms the 267th pontiff.

The 133 cardinal-electors inside the Sistine Chapel (Photo: Vatican News)

Taking part in the vote is former Gozo bishop, Cardinal Mario Grech — the first Maltese cardinal to participate in a papal election in 200 years.

READ ALSO | Blog: Many cardinals but only one pope. Will it be Gozitan Mario Grech?