The First General Congregation

This morning at 9:30 a.m., the first General Congregation began as cardinals came together at the Synod of Bishops Hall in the Vatican.  At 5:00 p.m. a second General Congregation will take place.  Think of these congregations as a way to start initial, informal discussions about the likeliest candidates, as well as a forum in which to set a date for the papal conclave.  Any outstanding business which needs to be attended to in the interim between popes, will also be addressed.
Another interesting fact about the General Congregation is that cardinals over 80 can also attend these.  Since they cannot take part in the conclave and officially vote for the new pope, it is the best opportunity these older cardinals will have to express any opinions they may have on the subject. 

The date for conclave cannot be set until it is established when the 115 eligible cardinals will arrive (and by eligible I mean those able to vote for the new pope).  My guess is that the papal conclave will begin some time next week - perhaps around Wednesday to ensure someone has been selected by Monday, March 18th.  That way the new pope will have a week to prepare for his new duties as well as Palm Sunday which will then be followed by Easter, the week after.  It is difficult to say for sure though since the General Congregation needs to examine the sex scandals as well as the financial issues.  These weighty matters will take time.