To become Pope, the following steps and conditions generally apply:
Basic Requirements
- The candidate must be a baptized male Catholic, at least 35 years old, and typically unmarried and celibate
- While technically any baptized Catholic male can be elected Pope, in practice, the Pope is almost always chosen from among the cardinals, who are senior bishops appointed by the current Pope
Typical Career Path
- Become a Priest
This requires extensive education, usually including a college degree in philosophy or theology, seminary training, and ordination after years of study and service
- Become a Bishop
To be a bishop, one must generally be at least 35, have served as a priest for at least 5 years, and hold advanced theological qualifications. Bishops oversee multiple churches in a region. Appointment involves a vetting process including recommendations from local bishops and approval by the Vatican
- Become a Cardinal
Cardinals are bishops with additional responsibilities, including electing the Pope. The Pope appoints cardinals, and only about 200 of the roughly 5,000 bishops worldwide hold this title. Cardinals under 80 years old are eligible to vote in the papal conclave
Election Process
- When a Pope dies or resigns, the College of Cardinals convenes in a secret meeting called a Conclave , held in the Sistine Chapel, to elect a new Pope
- Only cardinals under 80 vote, and a candidate must receive a two-thirds majority to be elected
- If the elected person is not already a bishop, he must be consecrated before assuming office
- Upon acceptance, the new Pope chooses a papal name and is publicly announced with the traditional "Habemus Papam!"
Summary
While theoretically any baptized Catholic male can become Pope, practically one must progress through the ranks of priest, bishop, and cardinal, gaining experience, education, and recognition within the Church hierarchy, before being elected by the College of Cardinals in a conclave
