White smoke has finally risen from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel – indicating that cardinals have elected a new pope on the second and final day of conclave.

Cheering crowds – though modest in size compared to last night’s gathering – were seen waiting outside in St Peter’s Square as they waited to discover who had been elected as the next pope.

Hailing from 70 different countries, the 133-strong group of cardinals gathered in the Vatican for the centuries-old ritual to elect the 267th pontiff following the death of Pope Francis last month.

Last night’s first round of voting prompted groans around the square after black smoke was seen rising from the chimney, indicating no result had been reached.

Black smoke was also seen this morning, showing the second round had, equally, not yielded a result.

Following the third vote, no smoke appeared at all, indicating no one had been elected by 4.30pm.

Up to four votes a day can take place from then, two in the morning and two in the afternoon, with white smoke confirming a new pope has been chosen.

It was unlikely that the cardinals would come to a consensus with the first few votes, given that previous elections have taken a number of days.

The longest conclave in history was almost three years, when Pope Gregory X was elected.

The shortest lasted just 10 hours and ended with the election of Pope Julius II in 1503.