Can an Eastern Rite Patriarch, theoretically, ever become Pope?

[lssanjose]

Another interesting question might be, Which will happen first: an Eastern Catholic pope or a pope from the USA?

The latter possibility has numbers on its side (if that even means anything), since there are about 17 million Eastern Catholics and about 62 million Catholics in the US.

Taking bets?

 

[ByzCathCantor]

Another interesting question might be, Which will happen first: an Eastern Catholic pope or a pope from the USA?

The latter possibility has numbers on its side (if that even means anything), since there are about 17 million Eastern Catholics and about 62 million Catholics in the US.

Despite the relative numbers, the odds still favor a bishop from Eastern Europe over an American.

 

[malphono]

As I understand it, as soon as he says “yes”, he is Pope. He must then be ordained a Bishop however at the point after he says “yes” but before he is ordained he is the pope. Now, I agree he must be ordained a Bishop as the big “T” tradition is the Pope is Bishop of Rome, but I am not sure the second must happen before the first.

This isn’t a corporation where there are no requirements (well, other than having more money than one person should have, but I digress) for someone being named Chairman of Board or even CEO. Without being, first and foremost, BISHOP of Rome, the title “Pope” has no meaning at all. The office itself derives from that of BISHOP of Rome. A non-bishop elected in Conclave would be nothing more than a “pope-elect” until such time as he is ordained bishop and legitimately assume authority over the See of Rome. IOW, he would have as much authority as a non-bishop named (or, as in the past, elected) bishop has before he is actually ordained a bishop. Which is to say he would have no authority whatsoever.

 

[Peter_J]

Originally Posted by Peter J
Another interesting question might be, Which will happen first: an Eastern Catholic pope or a pope from the USA?

I don’t know if I’ll live long enough to collect either way.

Despite the relative numbers, the odds still favor a bishop from Eastern Europe over an American.

Maybe so. Note my qualifier about “if that even means anything”.

 

[ByzCathCantor]

Maybe so. Note my qualifier about “if that even means anything”.

I did, and BTW - there really are odds on this sort of thing. Cardinal Arinze is the current favorite.

Odds - Next Pope

Cardinal Dolan made the list.

Major Archbishop Shevchuk did not.

 

[griego_catolico]

I did, and BTW - there really are odds on this sort of thing. Cardinal Arinze is the current favorite.

Odds - Next Pope

Cardinal Dolan made the list.

Major Archbishop Shevchuk did not.

I always chuckle when I see such things.
I have an old issue of a Catholic newspaper printed after the death of Pope John Paul I (the First) which has photos and names of Italian cardinals considered *papabile *. There was even a section naming those considered as “dark horses”. Once again, all Italian.
Well, we all know who was elected pope! A cardinal from Poland, I believe. :extrahappy:

Also, Patriarch Shevchuk did not make the list because he is not as yet been named cardinal. Most likely, it will not take place until Patriarch emeritus Husar turns 80, which is next year.

Cardinal Arinze was considered a favorite before the last papal conclave. He turns 80 this November which means he will not be able to vote for the next pontiff.

 

[ByzCathCantor]

I always chuckle when I see such things.

Me too! If you noticed, this odds-making assumes a new Pontiff between now and December, despite that Pope Benedict XVI is very much alive and kicking!

I understand His Beatitude Shevchuk is not yet a Cardinal, but as discussed, that should not in and of itself rule him out. He’s probably not on the radar in Vegas, as a result. That said, Vegas knows that the next Pontiff will be chosen from amongst the eligible Cardinals.

I did not realize Cardinal Arinze was that old. If I can only make it to 79, let alone look that good, be as active and still be as relevant at that age. Many years!

 

[TheDoctor]

This isn’t a corporation where there are no requirements (well, other than having more money than one person should have, but I digress) for someone being named Chairman of Board or even CEO. Without being, first and foremost, BISHOP of Rome, the title “Pope” has no meaning at all. The office itself derives from that of BISHOP of Rome. A non-bishop elected in Conclave would be nothing more than a “pope-elect” until such time as he is ordained bishop and legitimately assume authority over the See of Rome. IOW, he would have as much authority as a non-bishop named (or, as in the past, elected) bishop has before he is actually ordained a bishop. Which is to say he would have no authority whatsoever.

There is no “pope elect” as I understand it. Again, as soon as the candidate answers “yes”, he is Pope. Ordination should and will follow but at that moment the chair is no longer vacant. That’s only how I read it. Fun to speculate but in point of fact I agree “ain’t never gonna happen”.

 

[TheDoctor]

Another interesting question might be, Which will happen first: an Eastern Catholic pope or a pope from the USA?

The latter possibility has numbers on its side (if that even means anything), since there are about 17 million Eastern Catholics and about 62 million Catholics in the US.

I would love an Eastern Catholic Pope, for three reasons: First, it would be a wonderful visual symbol of the unity and universality of the Church; Second, maybe, just prayerfully maybe, it may help to bring some or all of our Orthodox brethren home; Third, I love the look on most Latin Catholic’s faces when they go “Eastern Cath-o-what?!?!”

 

[lssanjose]

I would love an Eastern Catholic Pope, for three reasons: First, it would be a wonderful visual symbol of the unity and universality of the Church; Second, maybe, just prayerfully maybe, it may help to bring some or all of our Orthodox brethren home; Third, I love the look on most Latin Catholic’s faces when they go “Eastern Cath-o-what?!?!”

I had to chuckle at your last point!

 

[TheDoctor]

I had to chuckle at your last point!

Full Disclosure Time: I was right there with them till I found this forum. I have since come to learn and deeply appreciate my Eastern brothers and sisters. I have made it a point for the last few years to do one of my PREP classes each year on the Eastern Churches so the kids will not be as ignorant as I was.

 

[lssanjose]

Full Disclosure Time: I was right there with them till I found this forum. I have since come to learn and deeply appreciate my Eastern brothers and sisters. I have made it a point for the last few years to do one of my PREP classes each year on the Eastern Churches so the kids will not be as ignorant as I was.

I’m already looking into taking classes, online, at the SS Cyril & Methodius Byzantine Catholic Seminary, for either Certification in Eastern Christian Studies; or Master’s in Theology. I’ve gotten multiple hints about the priesthood, from friends, and fellow parishioners. It’s something I’m trying to discern, daily. If I were to do it, the aforementioned seminary is where I’d want to end up. Being a relatively newbie to the Byzantine rite, I understand I need to be consistently within it for a few years; and look to hook up with a priest for guidance.

 

[ByzCathCantor]

I’m already looking into taking classes, online, at the SS Cyril & Methodius Byzantine Catholic Seminary, for either Certification in Eastern Christian Studies; or Master’s in Theology. I’ve gotten multiple hints about the priesthood, from friends, and fellow parishioners. It’s something I’m trying to discern, daily. If I were to do it, the aforementioned seminary is where I’d want to end up. Being a relatively newbie to the Byzantine rite, I understand I need to be consistently within it for a few years; and look to hook up with a priest for guidance.

Good for you! Those online classes were years in the making. May they be a great asset to you both intellectually and spiritually. We will pray for your discernment!

BTW - when you are ready, you should write to Fr. Pipta in San Diego, who is the director of priestly vocations for your Eparchy: Holy Protection Eparchy of Phoenix - Vocations

 

[TheDoctor]

I’m already looking into taking classes, online, at the SS Cyril & Methodius Byzantine Catholic Seminary, for either Certification in Eastern Christian Studies; or Master’s in Theology. I’ve gotten multiple hints about the priesthood, from friends, and fellow parishioners. It’s something I’m trying to discern, daily. If I were to do it, the aforementioned seminary is where I’d want to end up. Being a relatively newbie to the Byzantine rite, I understand I need to be consistently within it for a few years; and look to hook up with a priest for guidance.

You will be in my prayers that God guide you to the ministry He needs in, no matter what that is.

 

[lssanjose]

Thanks, ByzCathCantor, and TheDoctor. I can look on the bright side, if I do things right, and God-willing, I may be Pope, one day . Which is a higher probability than my being president of the United States (0%, by virtue of my being born in the Philippines, though I lived here, for 30 of 31 years ).

 

[Peter_J]

I did, and BTW - there really are odds on this sort of thing. Cardinal Arinze is the current favorite.

Odds - Next Pope

I wasn’t sure I wanted to, but in the end I took a look. Interesting webpage, if not terribly enlightening.

Honestly, the big thing I really wonder about the next pope is whether he will be European or non-European.

 

[lssanjose]

I wasn’t sure I wanted to, but in the end I took a look. Interesting webpage, if not terribly enlightening.

Honestly, the big thing I really wonder about the next pope is whether he will be European or non-European.

Peter, what do you think contributes to this kind of dilemma? Is it because of the college of cardinals’ proximity within Europe leading to a European bias?

 

[Elizium23]

88. After his acceptance, the person elected, if he has already received episcopal ordination, is immediately Bishop of the Church of Rome, true Pope and Head of the College of Bishops. He thus acquires and can exercise full and supreme power over the universal Church.

If the person elected is not already a Bishop, he shall immediately be ordained Bishop.

I think it is pretty clear by this wording that if he is not already a bishop then he does not enjoy any power until his ordination.

 

[Aramis]

I don’t see how lack of confirmation could be an impediment if a “quickie” ordination is expressly provided for; couldn’t they just confirm him beforehand? (And wouldn’t that be a whirlwind day?)

The current rules require the candidate to be a bishop or eligible for ordination to bishop. Technically, that rules out even deacons, and all laymen, since the only men eligible for episcopal ordination are presbyteri (priests).

 

[Vico]

The current rules require the candidate to be a bishop or eligible for ordination to bishop. Technically, that rules out even deacons, and all laymen, since the only men eligible for episcopal ordination are presbyteri (priests).

And bishops must be unmarried men or widowers.