The news of Pope Francis’ sudden demise on Easter Monday, sent shockwaves around the world. Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, serving as Vatican camerlengo, delivered the announcement of Pope Francis’s death on Easter Monday, stating: “The Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church.
“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite, merciful love of God, One and Tribune.”
Following the passing of Pope Francis, cardinals must convene in the Sistine Chapel for a confidential assembly to select his successor. The selection process involves specific protocols and ceremonial practices, alongside particular requirements for potential candidates.
The papal position necessitates that the individual be a baptised Catholic male without marital commitments. He must hold a position as a bishop, cardinal, priest, deacon or layman. The exclusion of women from papal candidacy stems from the Catholic Church’s restriction on female priesthood, the Express reported.
Canon Law (Canon 1024) states: “Only a baptised man can validly receive sacred ordination.” The Catholic Church teaches that Jesus chose only men as apostles, a tradition reinforced by Pope John Paul II in 1994.
Since the early Church, no woman has been ordained a priest. While a legend claims a woman, Pope Joan, once became pope disguised as a man, historians dismiss it as a myth. Women, however, play key roles in the Church as theologians, abbesses and nuns.
According to Michele Dillon, a University of New Hampshire sociologist studying American Catholic culture, Catholics prefer these words to be spoken by men because Jesus was male.
In 2023, Pope Francis reaffirmed the male-only ordination rule. His predecessor, Pope John Paul II, had similarly maintained this position.
Additional requirements for papal candidates include a minimum age of 35 and formal education in Biblical studies, theology or canon law.
