How long could the Pope's election take? Beginning 9 days after funeral

Historical Precedent:

the longest time between a Pope's funeral

and the next election was

2 years, 7 months

[sed vacante_]

due to infighting between

the French and Italian factions

of the cardinals.

That gap of leadership ended

in 1271 C.E. with election

of Gregory X.

The fewest number of ballots

imaginable would be 2 since

the number of votes the

leading candidates have received

is read aloud inside the Conclave.