how old do you have to be to be the pope

There is no official age requirement to become the Pope. In theory, any baptized Catholic male can be elected pope, regardless of age, although historically the youngest pope was around 18 years old (Pope John XII) and another reputedly youngest was about 20 years old (Pope Benedict IX) at the time of their election. However, practically and traditionally, the pope is usually someone much older and experienced, often a cardinal or bishop, who has studied theology or canon law and has extensive experience within the Church. The minimum age for becoming a bishop (and typically for the papacy) is 35, and candidates usually have many years of service and study behind them before election. The election is done by the College of Cardinals in a conclave, and the pope must be male and baptized in the Catholic Church. There is no formal rule excluding cardinals above a certain age from being elected pope, though voters have age limits (cardinals over 80 cannot vote). In summary, technically, there is no minimum age rule for the pope, but generally, candidates are mature and well-educated men, with the historical youngest being around 18 years old. The standard age to be a bishop, an important step towards the papacy, is 35 years old.