Cardinals have elected a new pope as white smoke seen from the Sistine Chapel

White smoke has been sighted at the Vatican City's Sistine Chapel, confirming the election of a new pope.

The identity of the new pontiff is yet to be officially confirmed, however, a senior cardinal will confirm the election by announcing 'Habemus Papam' - which translates to 'We have a Pope' before introducing Pope Francis' successor by his papal name.

The papal conclave officially began on 7 May, 16 days after Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88.

Following his death on Easter Monday (21 April), the Vatican paid tribute to the Argentinean-born pope, who had served in his position since 2013.

They said: "At 7.35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father."

"His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church," the statement continued.

"He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalised."

"With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite, merciful love of God, One and Tribune."

Cardinals have elected a new pope following Pope Francis' death (Massimo Valicchia/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Pope Francis' last words

Pope Francis also expressed gratitude in his final words to Massimiliano Strappetti, the nurse who he credits with saving his life, after she recommended he needed colon surgery.

According to Vatican News, he told her: "Thank you for bringing me back to the Square", before passing away the next morning after waving goodbye.

Following the Pope's funeral and the traditional days of mourning, it was time for cardinals to elect the next candidate to become the head of the catholic church.

The new pontiff will succeed Pope Francis (Franco Origlia/Getty Images)

What was the process for electing a new pope?

As can be seen in the 2024 Amazon Prime political thriller of the same name, the conclave involves the scarlet-clad men walking from their homes at Casa Santa Martin to the Sistine Chapel.

Each cardinal is allocated a desk with a pen and paper, where they confirm their vote for the next pontiff.

Before the pope is confirmed, ballot papers are counted and recounted before being being threaded with a needle into a bundle.

Papers are then burned in a stove with chemicals added depending on the result. If there is no result, chemicals are added to make the smoke black, but if there is a successful candidate - as we have seen today - the chemicals turn the smoke white.