Is a convert electable as pope?

greenspun.com : LUSENET : Catholic : One Thread

This came up as an "office water-cooler"-type discussion and we need a little more informed authority than our multi-faith speculations. Do you have to be born Catholic to be eligible for Pope? (Excluding Peter and maybe the first 400 years or so... you know, "nowadays".) Is there some Church Law requirement like the Constitution's US birth required for US President? Thanks to any and all.

-- R E Sharp (hi-res@ix.netcom.com), January 16, 1999

Answers

Dear R. E. Sharp, A convert can be elected pope. The only requirement is that you be a baptized male Catholic.

Yours in Christ, Chris

-- Chris B -- January 16, 1999.


Actually I don't think you have to be Baptized at the time of election. You must receive Baptism before being Ordained however and only a Male can be Ordained.

-- Br. Rich S.F.O. (repsfo@Prodigy.net), January 18, 1999.

In order to become Pope you have to rise through the Ranks in the church you must become a Priest first, and then apointed a bishop then a cardinal then only cardnels can be elected Pope by the Cardinal.

-- E.H.Weiss (weisse@urgentmail.com), February 19, 1999.

Not true. Only cardinals are elected in practice, but, strictly speaking, it's not necessary that you be a cardinal.

In His love, Chris

-- chris B -- February 20, 1999.



-- The Thread Restorer (Thread@Restoration.Com), December 03, 2003

Answers

In order to be elected as the new Pope, a person has to be Catholic, and in good standing with the Church.

Normally Cardinals are the ones elected, but that is not required.

Once elected, before a person takes the Office of Pope, he must be ordained a Priest.

God bless, Fr. Ray

-- Fr. Ray Burkle (cyclist@netins.net), December 13, 2003.


Now and then Catholics remember it is the Holy Spirit who finds us the man; and the Cardinals vote for him.

We should always see the truth behind the apparent electoral procedure. No one becomes a priest or a Pope at all unless God calls him. Jesus Christ called Peter. Nothing since then has really changed; except too many of the faithful forget.

-- eugene c. chavez (loschavez@pacbell.net), December 13, 2003.


Moderation questions? read the FAQ