One thing we know, or can be pretty sure about, is that long after there is a new pope at the Vatican, the bickering over the next U.S. Federal Budget will continue, and in Congress there is no pope to hurry things along.
Congress will soon be considering as many as three budget proposals. There’ll be the White House 2014 budget, Republican Congressman Paul Ryan’s budget, and a budget from Democratic Senator Patty Murray.  
Todd Zwillich, Takeaway Washington correspondent, has been following the budget creation process.