He is also known - in popular language - as "the Black Pope" because of the colour of his habit.

BBC: Pope Francis' first moves hint at break with past

There was widespread speculation before the conclave that the Roman Catholic Church was about to elect its first black pope from Africa.

BBC: Pope Francis' first moves hint at break with past

Peter's Square on Wednesday in a makeshift popemobile as he campaigns for Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana to become the church's first black pope.

NPR: Cardinals Celebrate Mass Before Entering Conclave

It is worth remembering that it was a previous "Black Pope", Father Hans Kolvenbach, who first broke the tradition that the general of the Jesuits, just like the Pope, was a lifelong appointment.

BBC: Pope Francis' first moves hint at break with past

The smoke that will drift out of the chapel's chimney early in the evening is likely to be black - meaning no pope has been elected.

BBC: Rome conclave: Cardinals begin voting for new Pope

Black smoke indicates no pope has yet been chosen.

BBC: Rome conclave: Cardinals voting again on new pope

However, not all felt an African pope would lead to equality between black and white.

CNN: Unity, faith, peace. Why Africans want an African pope

If they are black, voting will continue, four rounds each day, until a pope is elected.

NPR: Conclave To Elect Next Pope Opens Amid Uncertainty