While Church law does allow for him to step down, a Pope usually reigns for life.
Scola was considered a favorite the last time a pope was chosen, in 2005.
If they are black, voting will continue, four rounds each day, until a pope is elected.
His name - the first time a pope has called himself 'Francis' - is inspired by St.
"We have a pope who probably upset some people tonight by not following the formula, " the Rev.
CNN: Pope Francis, the pontiff of firsts, breaks with tradition
This was the first conclave in modern times not to be preceded by the death of a pope.
Going back further in time, the last case of a pope resigning dates back a further five centuries.
It is the first public event of a four-day visit - the first ever state visit by a Pope.
Once a pope is elected, the cardinals burn chemicals along with their ballots, turning the paper into smoke white.
I've been lucky to know a pope with a sense of humor and a willingness to talk and engage.
Pope Benedict XVI's resignation, the first by a pope in nearly 600 years, takes effect on Thursday 28 February.
Ratzinger said he expected to see a pope chosen from outside Europe one day -- but not just yet.
In Australia, Melbourne Archbishop Denis Hart said the Vatican had chosen a pope committed to social justice and Catholic doctrine.
But "change" was not how 26-year-old Lorena Ferrer saw the selection of a pope from her part of the world.
Pope Benedict XVI's shock resignation - the first by a pope in nearly 600 years - takes effect on Thursday.
That measure aimed to give cardinals around the world time to arrive in Rome after the death of a pope.
He said his Holiness would be remembered as "a Pope of surprises" and "a latter day father of the church".
The is no provision in Church law for forcing a pope to resign or the removal of an incapacitated pope.
In a rare move for a pope, Francis spontaneously walked out from Vatican territory to greet cheering well-wishers outside Sant'Anna Gate.
Because Catholicism is losing ground in the region, a pope from there could be a boost for the faith, she said.
CNN: First Latin American pope 'very exciting,' faithful say
With the words "Habemus Papam" or "We have a pope" the pontiff then appears on the balcony of St.
This kind of process works to elect a pope or a club president, but quickly becomes unwieldy for a large-scale election.
Thamyris Nagall, a 23-year-old attending the Ash Wednesday Mass in Sao Paulo, said it's time for a pope from Latin America.
Normally, after a pope dies, there is a nine-day mourning period before the start of the selection of a new pope.
Beside her, a woman from Mexico City said her heart jumped when she heard the announcement that a pope had been picked.
CNN: First Latin American pope 'very exciting,' faithful say
Precisely because Catholicism is losing ground in the region, a pope from there could be a boost for the faith, she said.
Cardinal Maradiaga himself did comment that perhaps a Pope from Latin America would be a great impulse for overcoming the north-south divide.
"I'm certain a pope will come from the new continents but whether it will be now, I have my doubts, " he said.
Much of the uncertainty stems from the fact this is the first time a pope has stepped down in nearly 600 years.
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