How is the Roman Catholic pope elected?
Popes are chosen by the College of Cardinals, the Church’s most senior officials, who are appointed by the Pope and usually ordained bishops. They are summoned to a meeting at the Vatican which is followed by the Papal election – or Conclave.
How often is pope elected?
The cardinals vote once in the afternoon of the first day of Conclave, then twice each morning and once each following afternoon until the vote is conclusive. If no pope is elected after nine ballots, then they may devote up to a day to prayer and discussion before resuming the vote.
How long is pope elected?
“A little bit,” Bergoglio confessed. He had reason to be worried. Two days later, on Tuesday evening, he and 114 other cardinals entered the conclave to elect a successor to Benedict XVI; a little more than 24 hours and five ballots after that, Bergoglio emerged on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica as Pope Francis.
Can any Catholic be elected pope?
Technically, any Roman Catholic male can be elected pope. But since 1379, every pope has been selected from the College of Cardinals, the group casting the votes at the conclave. Many of the cardinals are bishops and archbishops appointed by the pope to assist in religious issues.
Can a woman be a pope?
But a woman is barred from becoming pope, because the person chosen for the position would have to be ordained — and women are barred from becoming priests. According to the Catholic Church catechism, Jesus Christ chose 12 men to be his apostles, and they in turn chose men to continue their ministry.
Can anyone become the pope?
There are only two requirements for becoming pope: being male and being baptized into the Catholic Church. But although this technically leaves hundreds of millions of people eligible, they shouldn’t hold their breath.
Can a married man become pope?
The Second Lateran Council (1139) made the promise to remain celibate a prerequisite to ordination, abolishing the married priesthood in the Latin Church….Popes who were legally married.
| Name | John XVII |
|---|---|
| Reign(s) | 1003 |
| Relationship | Married before his election as pope |
| Offspring | Yes (three sons) |
Can a pope be married?
You have to learn multiple languages, attend confession, meet with heads of state, lead mass services, and remain celibate. This means the simple answer to this article’s question is no, Popes do not marry.
What is the election of a Pope?
The election of a pope is conducted in conditions of secrecy unique in the modern world. The cardinals are shut away in the Vatican until they reach agreement – the meaning of the word conclave indicating that they are literally locked up “with a key”.
How do Cardinals elect a Pope?
Conclave: How cardinals elect a Pope 1 Cardinals summoned to Rome. Popes are chosen by the College of Cardinals, the Church’s most senior officials, who are appointed by the Pope and usually ordained bishops. 2 Voting rituals. 3 Reaching a decision. 4 New pope announced.
What is the role of the pope in the Catholic Church?
Catholics consider the pope to be the apostolic successor of Saint Peter and the earthly head of the Catholic Church.
When was the last time the pope was elected by acclamation?
The last election by compromise is considered to be that of Pope John XXII in 1316, and the last election by acclamation that of Pope Innocent XI in the 1676 conclave.