when will the papal conclave begin

The papal conclave to elect the next pope began on May 7, 2025. The cardinal electors entered the Sistine Chapel in a solemn procession to start the conclave, which took place according to the traditional procedures. After several rounds of voting over two days, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected pope on May 8, 2025, taking the papal name Leo XIV. This date was set following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, and in accordance with church rules that require the conclave to begin between 15 and 20 days after the Holy See becomes vacant. The conclave took place in the Vatican's Sistine Chapel, which was closed to visitors during the event.