"The conclave to elect the 267th Pope will begin on May 7th, following the conclusion of the Novemdiales Masses to pray for the eternal repose of the late Pope Francis," the Vatican's press office said in a statement.
"The Cardinals present in Rome have agreed to begin the conclave on May 7th, 2025," it added. "They made the decision at the Fifth General Congregation, held on Monday morning in the Vatican’s Synod Hall."
Some 135 cardinals from across the world, including four Poles, are eligible to take part in the conclave and decide who should be the next head of the 1.4-billion-strong Church.
Polish cardinal Konrad Krajewski, a close ally and charity envoy of Pope Francis, is among those being considered as a possible successor, according to media reports.
Pope Francis, who was elected in 2013, died on Easter Monday at the age of 88.
His funeral on Saturday and a procession through Rome to his burial place at the Basilica of St. Mary Major attracted crowds
estimated at more than 400,000, the Reuters news agency reported.
Polish President Andrzej Duda and lower-house Speaker Szymon Hołownia were among those who attended the ceremonies.
The conclave will take place in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel, which will be closed to visitors during those days, the Vatican's press office said.
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Source: IAR, PAP, Reuters