Roman Catholic cardinals will begin election of a new pope on 12 March, the Vatican has announced after 115 cardinals gathered for talks.
Pope Benedict XVI stepped down last month after nearly eight years in office, becoming the first pope to resign in 600 years.
The 85-year-old blamed his failing health for his inability to carry on.
Under the rules of the secret ballot, or conclave, cardinals will vote until one achieves a two-thirds majority.
Correspondents say no one candidate stands out as Benedict XVI's likely successor.
Stoves going in
The vote will be preceded by Mass on Tuesday morning, with the first ballot due in the afternoon, the Vatican press office said.
Vatican staff have been preparing the Sistine Chapel, where the conclave will take place, installing the two stoves that will produce white smoke from burnt ballot papers when a new pope is elected.
The last election in 2005 took three days, and correspondents say the number of meetings this time is being seen as a reflection of the many challenges facing the Church.
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