SILVER SPRING, Md. (WUSA9) - Monsignor Bartholomew Smith is pastor of Saint Bernadette's Catholic Church in Silver Spring, Maryland.
He worked on the Vatican for four years and was there when Benedict XVI was elected pope.
Monsignor Smith says the current group of cardinals who will select Benedict's successor will take their time and not rush into a decision on the new Pope.
A March 15 start for the Conclave would not surprise him.
"They need to get to know one another" he says of the Cardinals, about 25 percent of them have been in office only a couple of years.
Smith also believes there are several candidates for the top post.
"I've seen a list with at least 16 names."
He adds that church doctrine won't change regardless of who gets the nod.
WUSA9