Here in Western Maryland near the Appalachian Mountains, Bishop Parker began his priesthood as an associate pastor at St. Peter 25 years ago. Bishop Parker returned to what he called “his number one assignment” to celebrate his silver jubilee with an April 27 Mass. 

One by one, placing a right hand on the Book of Gospels, staff driving, cooking, cleaning and caring for the cardinals who will elect a new pope will swear an oath of perpetual secrecy about the election of the 266th successor of St. Peter.

Cardinal Angelo Becciu, who lost the rights associated with being a cardinal after Pope Francis asked him to resign in 2020, said he would obey the late pope’s wishes and not seek to enter the conclave May 7.

The Vatican may keep the Sistine Chapel under tight security, but out in the streets, piazzas, and even trattorias, the speculation runs wild and everyone is certain they know who’s in pole position.

When the conclave begins May 7, there will be 117 cardinals who will not be allowed into the Sistine Chapel to take part in the voting process that chooses the next pope.