The recent passing of Pope Francis at age 88 has reignited discussions about the possibility of a woman ascending to the papacy. Despite Pope Francis’s progressive reforms, the Catholic Church maintains that only men can be ordained as priests, a prerequisite for becoming pope.
This stance is rooted in the Church’s interpretation of Jesus Christ’s actions, who chose only men as his apostles. In 1994, Pope John Paul II affirmed this tradition, stating that the Church has no authority to ordain women, a position upheld by subsequent popes.America Magazine
Canon Law explicitly states that only baptized men can receive sacred ordination. Since the pope is traditionally selected from among the cardinals, who are ordained bishops, this effectively excludes women from consideration.Catholic Answers+3America Magazine+3Catholic Answers+3
While Pope Francis emphasized the importance of women in the Church, he distinguished between ministerial roles and other forms of service, suggesting that the Church embodies both masculine and feminine principles.
The legend of Pope Joan, a woman who allegedly became pope in the Middle Ages, lacks historical evidence and is widely regarded as a myth.Historic Mysteries+3Catholic Answers+3Learn Religions+3
As the Church prepares to elect a new pope, the tradition of male-only leadership remains firmly in place.
