Does the Pope Have to Be Catholic?

[TinaG]

Hi,

I got into this strange discussion…

Technically the College of Cardinals could elect anyone they want to be Pope, regardless, right? This would set aside concepts such as of course the choice is led by the Holy Spirit, and Catholic, and a male. The point being made is that the concepts in the second sentence are subsidiary in nature to those in the first in logical precedence, as the “rules” for who becomes Pope are set by the same College. They can change the rules, and then my dog could become Pope. I don’t think so, but I also don’t have a good answer.

My dog may also be really disappointed.

-Tina “I Get Into Strange Discussions:shrug:” G

 

[puzzleannie]

Hi,

I got into this strange discussion…

Technically the College of Cardinals could elect anyone they want to be Pope, regardless, right? G

they could elect only a Catholic male adult (human-dogs are not candidates for baptism so they are not candidates for other sacraments). yes in the past men who were not ordained or only had minor orders where elected, immediately ordained and consecrated as bishops and took office as pope
there were times in the early church, when the catechumenate could take years, that a catechumen was elected bishop, immediatedly baptized, confirmed, ordained and consecrated.

 

[Iron_Donkey]

… as the “rules” for who becomes Pope are set by the same College. They can change the rules, and then my dog could become Pope. I don’t think so, but I also don’t have a good answer.

My dog may also be really disappointed.

-Tina “I Get Into Strange Discussions:shrug:” G

Since the Pope is the bishop of Rome, the candidate must be eligible to be a bishop in addition to whatever other rules or processes the College sets up. This, perhaps unfortunately, excludes your dog.

 

[Earnest_Bunbury]

Since the Pope is the bishop of Rome, the candidate must be eligible to be a bishop in addition to whatever other rules or processes the College sets up. This, perhaps unfortunately, excludes your dog.

http://rookery.s3.amazonaws.com/866500/866590_f0a6_625x1000.jpg

I concur… No Dogs for Pope!

 

[JonNC]

http://rookery.s3.amazonaws.com/866500/866590_f0a6_625x1000.jpg

I concur… No Dogs for Pope!

That picture came within a whisker of making me… well, really funny.

Jon

 

[TinaG]

http://rookery.s3.amazonaws.com/866500/866590_f0a6_625x1000.jpg

I concur… No Dogs for Pope!

This drives everything from my mind except the following:

Truly this is a CATholic pope.

-Tina “Sometimes I Pun” G

 

[Michael_Francis]

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