Black smoke signals first day of Vatican conclave has failed to elect new pope

Cardinals begin locked-in selection process amid throng of pilgrims and peaceful protest for women's rights in church

• Explainer: how does the conclave work?

Plumes of black smoke have emerged from the chimney on top of the Sistine Chapel, signalling that the 133 cardinals sealed off inside have failed to elect a new pope on the first day of conclave.

After the formal procession to the Sistine Chapel and each of the cardinals swearing the oath to secrecy, the first voting round only got under way at about 5.45pm local time. Then all eyes were on the famous chimney, which was diligently guarded by a seagull for some of the time the cardinals were voting.