A new pope will be selected when a candidate gets a two-thirds-plus-one majority vote by the cardinal electors. White smoke will be sent up the chimney of the Sistine Chapel when that happens, to indicate a new pope has been chosen.

Black smoke rises from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, meaning that cardinals did not elect a new pope on the first day of the conclave.

Who are the U.S. candidates at the papal conclave in Rome? Here's a list of American cardinals who will elect or possibly become the next pope.