By Joshua McElwee, Crispian Balmer and Philip Pullella VATICAN CITY (Reuters) -White smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel and the bells of St. Peter's rang out on Thursday, signalling that cardinals have elected a new pope to succeed Pope Francis and take charge of the Roman Catholic Church.

Mass was held in St. Peter’s Basilica hours before 133 cardinals began the conclave to select the man who will replace Pope Francis as the next pontiff.