Can Any Catholic Man Become Pope? Unpacking Eligibility and Tradition

Discover if any Catholic man can become pope and the selection process involved in choosing the leader of the Catholic Church.

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Any baptized Catholic man is theoretically eligible to become pope. However, in practice, the pope is usually chosen from among the cardinals. The election is conducted by the College of Cardinals during a conclave.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What is the role of the pope? The pope serves as the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church, guiding its members in faith and doctrine.
  2. How are cardinals selected? Cardinals are appointed by the pope and typically serve as advisors and potential candidates for the papacy.
  3. What happens during a conclave? A conclave is a gathering of cardinals to elect a new pope, held in secrecy until a decision is made.
  4. Can someone outside the College of Cardinals become pope? While any baptized Catholic man is theoretically eligible, in practice, the pope is almost always chosen from the College of Cardinals.