Mr Francis, who took the name Pope Leo XIV, polled the required two-thirds majority of votes in the election of the 267th pope.
Robert Francis emerged as the new Catholic pontiff on Thursday, the second day of the conclave.
The ballot battle for a new pope enters day two with accompanying black smoke signifying a catholic deadlock.
Polymarket, an American cryptocurrency-based betting site, has placed odds on candidates who will emerge.
Any Hajj fare deposit received after May 2 would be duly refunded, NAHCON said in a statement on Wednesday.
The governor implored the pilgrims to follow laid-down rules and avoid acts capable of tarnishing the state’s image and that of their respective families.
Though conclaves have lasted months and even years in recent history, they have never taken more than a week.
The media and bookmakers currently favour the previous number two in the Catholic Church, Secretary of State Pietro Parolin.
Ms Ahmed said, “The task of these committees is to ensure that everything is in place before the arrival of the first batch of pilgrims.’’
The Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency has announced that it would begin airlifting of 2025 intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj on May 14.
