The final preparations and discussions are taking place in Rome this week, with all 133 Cardinals intending to enter the Conclave now gathered in the Eternal City.
In the past few days, the Cardinals have participating in general congregations to discuss the priorities of the new papacy, the challenges facing the Church and the qualities needed in the next pope.
So many Cardinals have been set to speak during the congregation, they have had to extend the sessions.
They spoke on a range of issues, including canon law, Catholic charities, evangelisation, war and climate change.
Matteo Bruni, director of the Vatican press office, said they also spoke about needing a Pope who was a "person present and close, a door of access to communion, to unity in a world where the world order is in crisis, a pastor, a shepherd close to the people”.
On Saturday, the Cardinals drew lots to assign their rooms during the conclave.
Some of the cardinals will stay in the Domus Sanctae Marthae, the guesthouse St John Paul II built to house cardinals in a conclave, while some others are staying next door at the “old Santa Marta,” which shares a courtyard with the guesthouse.
The high number of cardinals named by Pope Francis has meant they are unable to all stay in the one place.