The requirements to be elected pope are primarily defined by Catholic canon law and tradition, with some formal and informal criteria:
Formal Requirements
- Baptized Catholic male : Only baptized males in the Catholic Church are eligible
- In possession of reason and sound mind : The candidate must be mentally competent to accept the election and fulfill duties
- Eligible for episcopal ordination : If the elected person is not already a bishop, he must be ordained a bishop immediately before assuming the papacy
- Not excommunicated or canonically impeded : The candidate must be free from canonical penalties that would prevent ordination or election
- Minimum age : Generally, candidates are at least 35 years old and have studied theology, canon law, or related fields
Informal and Practical Considerations
- Usually a cardinal or bishop : While any baptized male Catholic can technically be elected, in practice popes are almost always chosen from among cardinals, who are senior bishops and Church leaders
- Good health and stamina : The demanding nature of the role means cardinals prefer candidates in good physical condition, typically under 80 years old
- Reputation and leadership : Candidates are expected to have a reputation for holiness, theological expertise, leadership skills, and a global pastoral vision
- Celibacy : The pope is unmarried. Historically, some married men have been elected but were expected to live in continence afterward
Election Process
- The pope is elected by a conclave of cardinals who vote in secrecy until a candidate receives a two-thirds majority
In summary, the minimum canonical requirements are being a baptized Catholic male capable of episcopal ordination and mentally competent, but the practical path involves being a respected cardinal or bishop with theological education, leadership qualities, and good health
