New pope electedTuesday April 19 2005 21:53 IST

VATICAN CITY: White smoke rose from the Vatican's Sistine Chapel and the bells of St Peter's Basilica rang out on Tuesday, signalling that Roman Catholic cardinals had elected a pope to succeed John Paul II.

The smoke, seen by thousands in St. Peter's Square, and the pealing of the basilica's bells meant cardinals meeting for a second day in a secret conclave had agreed on the Church's 265th pontiff.

The new pope, whose identity was still unknown, was to appear later on the main balcony of the basilica to deliver his first public address.The 115 cardinals eligible to elect a new pontiff started the conclave on Monday. To be elected, a candidate needed a two-thirds majority, or at least 77 votes.