With all the pomp, drama and solemnity that the Catholic Church can muster, 133 cardinals began the centuries-old ritual to elect a successor to Pope Francis, celebrating a morning Mass on Wednesday before opening the most geographically diverse conclave in the faith’s 2,

Once they are closed in the chapel will have no communication with the outside world until a new pope is elected.

Cardinals have handed in their mobile phones and taken oaths of secrecy as they begin the secret Conclave to decide the next Pope.The Papal Conclave began with a mass in St Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday morning,