The duration of a papal conclave varies widely, but in modern times it typically lasts only a few days. Recent conclaves have lasted between two and three days, with the 2013 conclave that elected Pope Francis concluding in about two days after five rounds of voting. Similarly, the 2005 conclave lasted two days as well

. Historically, conclaves could last much longer. The longest papal election in history took nearly three years in the 13th century, and there have been conclaves lasting several weeks or even months, such as one in 1831 that lasted 54 days. However, these lengthy conclaves are rare today due to reforms and modern procedures

. The conclave begins about 15 days after the pope's death to allow cardinals to arrive in Rome, and voting continues until a candidate receives a two- thirds majority. On the first day, only one vote is taken, and on subsequent days, up to four votes are held daily (two in the morning and two in the afternoon). If no pope is elected after three days, voting is suspended for a day for prayer and discussion, but it is uncommon for conclaves to extend beyond a few days in recent history

. In summary, while theoretically a conclave can last indefinitely until a pope is elected, modern conclaves usually last between two and three days, with the longest recent conclaves lasting up to five days.