When this chimney atop the Vatican's Sistine Chapel emits white smoke it will signal that a new pope has been chosen.

And that's what these pilgrims are waiting to see.

The 115 Catholic Cardinals tasked with voting in a new pontiff failed to elect a new Pope after a vote on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning.

Voting will continue until there is a conclusive outcome.

Despite two black smoke emissions from the chimney, pilgrims are hopeful.

(SOUNDBITE) (German) GERMAN PILGRIM, THOMAS MILLER:

"I expected that the first vote would not produce a result and I don't expect to see white smoke until tomorrow."

(SOUNDBITE) (English) AUSTRALIA PILGRIM REBECCA ROBERTS:

"Umm, no, nobody expected him to be chosen yesterday, it was a foregone conclusion, but I wouldn't be surprised if by this afternoon they've made their minds up."

No modern conclave had reached a decision on the first day.

The average length of the last nine conclaves wa