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