First there was a cheer, then a rush to leave St Peter’s Square. No one had thought a pope would be elected on the first day of the conclave but most had expected to be home for dinner.
The black smoke finally emerged from the chimney installed on the roof of the Sistine Chapel at 9pm, more than two hours later than expected. It was the end of a long day, with maybe a few more ahead, but the faithful were undeterred. Many had waited most of the afternoon and well into the evening, watching the opening ceremonials of the conclave to elect the 267th pope on large screens.
