The major networks cut into their a.m. programming on Tuesday for coverage of the College of Cardinals beginning the papal conclave, when leaders of the Catholic Church choose the next pope.

The news briefly took over the trending topics list in the U.S., as seven of the 10 items on the list dealt with the process:



At least a handful of Twitter accounts have popped up around the event. Papal Conclave 2013 shares links to serious news story about the selection process, as well as a number of tweets lampooning the cardinals. Another account, Papal Smoke Stack, a reference to the way in which the cardinals alert the world they've made a decision, has quickly amassed more than 5,000 followers. 
 
After casting their first ballot for pope on Tuesday, black smoke poured from the chimney at the Sistine Chapel, indicating cardinals have not reached a consensus. 

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