There are strict, specific rules that determine who can take on one of the most powerful religious roles on Earth—and why women are barred from it.
According to Catholic law, the new Pope must be a baptized male and unmarried.
The candidate must also be at least 35 years old and have studied the Bible, theology, or canon law. While technically any baptized Catholic man could be elected, the Pope is virtually always chosen from among the cardinals—those already high-ranking members of the Church.
Women are not considered. The Catholic Church does not permit women to become priests, and by extension, they cannot be ordained as bishops or cardinals—roles from which popes are drawn.
“The reality is that the patriarchy is still entrenched and women need not apply,” said Catholic historian and commentator Paul Collins, per ABC.
The Church’s position on male-only priesthood is rooted in precedent. The Vatican maintains that Jesus Christ selected twelve male apostles, and they, in turn, selected other men to carry out their ministry.
Sociologist Michele Dillon of the University of New Hampshire told NBC that Catholics “want the words to be repeated in the body of a man because Jesus was male,” referring to the Eucharist and the recitation of Jesus’ words from the Last Supper: “Do this in remembrance of me.”
Pope Francis reinforced this stance in 2023, stating that holy orders are reserved for men. His predecessor, Pope John Paul II, had also closed the door on women’s ordination.
Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo, announced the Pope’s death on Easter Monday, saying: “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.”
Pope Francis passed away at 7:35AM on April 21, a day after addressing thousands from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica. He was 88 years old and had recently been recovering from double pneumonia.
Following a nine-day period of mourning known as the Novendiale, the Conclave will convene to choose his successor. The process is deliberately shrouded in secrecy. Cardinals live on-site in the Casa Santa Marta dormitories and cast their votes within the Sistine Chapel.
Currently, 252 cardinals make up the College of Cardinals, though only 138 are under the age limit and eligible to vote.
Tributes to Pope Francis have poured in from around the world. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “I join millions around the world in grieving the death of His Holiness Pope Francis. His leadership in a complex and challenging time for the world and the Church was courageous, yet always came from a place of deep humility.”
King Charles and Queen Camilla expressed their sorrow: “Our heavy hearts have been somewhat eased, however, to know that His Holiness was able to share an Easter greeting with the Church and the world he served with such devotion throughout his life and ministry.”
Despite there being 266 popes in history, only one has come from the British Isles. Pope Adrian IV, born Nicholas Breakspear in Hertfordshire, led the Church from 1154 to 1159.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, broke several traditions. He was the first pope from the Americas, the first from the Southern Hemisphere, and the first non-European pope since the 8th century.
The Vatican has yet to confirm who will succeed him, but names already in circulation include Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Cardinal Peter Erdö, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, and Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke.
As the Church enters this next chapter, one thing is clear: the rules remain firm—and for now, the door to the papacy remains closed to women.
