By Joshua McElwee, Crispian Balmer and Philip Pullella VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - White smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel and the bells of St. Peter's rang out on Thursday, signalling that cardinals have elected a new pope to succeed Pope Francis and take charge of the Roman Catholic Church.

The new Pope, who has yet to be announced, was selected by a group of 133 cardinals, the highest number ever convened for a papal conclave.

Mass was held in St. Peter’s Basilica hours before 133 cardinals began the conclave to select the man who will replace Pope Francis as the next pontiff.