CATHOLICS in North East Lincolnshire must continue their nervous wait for the papal election after cardinals failed to elect a new pope in the Vatican conclave.
Black smoke rose out of the Sistine chapel chimney indicating their ballot had been inconclusive.
It follows the shock resignation of Benedict XVI last month.
Local Catholics in North East Lincolnshire hope the new Pope will 'sort out' the Vatican Government and make stronger links with other leading religions, like Islam.
In an interview earlier today, Father James Earley of St Pius Church X, in Chelmsford Avenue said: "This is an opportunity for the Catholic Church to look to the future. It is a tough job for anyone and even tougher at this particular time with the economic environment and the fall away numbers of the church.
"He (the new Pope) must have charisma, theology, evangelion and management skills."
The vote started today with a mass in St Peter's Basilica at 10am local time.
They entered the Sistine Chapel at 4.30pm where they will remain until one candidate recieves at least 77 votes required for vitory.