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How hard is it to become the Pope?
Technically, the only requirements to become pope are that you be a male and a practicing Catholic. However, since Pope Urban in 1378, no pope has been elected outside the College of Cardinals. Keep in mind that it is essential to fully believe in the Catholic faith. This is not just a job, but more of a vocation.
Can anyone be the Pope?
The pope does not need to be a cardinal elector or indeed a cardinal; however, since the pope is the bishop of Rome, only those who can be ordained a bishop can be elected, which means that any male baptized Catholic is eligible.
How do I become pope?
There are only two requirements for becoming pope: being male and being baptized into the Catholic Church. But although this technically leaves hundreds of millions of people eligible, they shouldn’t hold their breath.
How do you become the Pope?
Given the unofficial practice of selecting a cardinal to become Pope, it stands that your most likely chance of becoming one is to firstly be appointed as a cardinal. Technically, cardinals don’t need to be ordained and therefore it’s theoretically possible that anyone could become one.
Does the Pope have to go to confession?
As the pope is also the Bishop of Rome, he is required to know Italian as well. He may be the Holy Father, but the pope is not exempt from confession; in fact, popes observe the sacrament far more frequently than the average Catholic (who, technically, is only required to go to confession when he or she has committed a mortal sin).
What does the Pope own?
As pope, the pontiff does not own anything, though he has custodianship of the Church’s fortune during his reign. Everything and anything the pope needs or wants is provided for him.
Who was the oldest Pope?
More recently, Pope Clement X, pictured, is the oldest. He was nearly 80 when he became pontiff in 1679, and he served for six years. Latin is the language of the Catholic Church, and the pope must be fluent in order to conduct official business (day-to-day correspondences are conducted in modern languages).