Tuesday, April 19 2005 22:01 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Vatican City: Cardinals elected a new leader of the world's 1.1 billion Catholics today (Apr 19, 2005) sending white smoke billowing from the chimney on the roof of the Sistine Chapel after a conclave lasting little more than 24 hours.

There was no immediate indication of the identity of the 265th Pontiff, and neither were there ringing bells which the Vatican had said would accompany the announcement.

A cardinal is expected to appear on the balcony over St Peter's Square within 45 minutes of the announcement to reveal the new Pope's identity and introduce him to thousands of pilgrims massing on the square.