when does the papal conclave begin

The papal conclave to elect the successor of Pope Francis began on May 7, 2025. It started with a special Mass at St. Peter's Basilica in the morning, followed by the cardinals processing into the Sistine Chapel to cast their first votes in the afternoon. The conclave was set to begin between 15 to 20 days after Pope Francis's death on April 21, 2025, in accordance with church rules.