No, it’s not Mother Angelica — though, to many, she is the unofficial religious leader for the region (if not the world.) But we have a few hints today, courtesy the fellow behind this stellar blog.

Rocco Palmo has been busy with a shovel, digging, and came up with a tantalizing scoop:

After 27 months, word’s come in that the Holy See is set to put the longest episcopal vacancy of American Catholicism’s post-missionary era to bed, filling the diocese of Birmingham’s top slot within days.

Completing a process whose twists and turns were heavily influenced by the looming presence of a significant apostolate within its boundaries, contrary to the wishes of various participants at its extremes, multiple sources report that the choice has fallen on (and been accepted by) neither the butcher, nor the candlestick-maker… making another vacancy rise as a result.

Hedda Hopper couldn’t have done it better. From the way he’s put it, I wonder if the next Bishop of Birmingham will be the fellow from this other southern diocese. He certainly fits the description, and fits Benedict’s preferred profile for bishops: a moderate with an academic background, who is also skilled at the formation of priests.

Stay tuned.