Benedict resigning was a huge break with recent centuries of practice. I don’t think Francis would dare to retire for anything less than something seriously debilitating. Also, I really doubt he’d retire while Benedict is still alive.
Actually, it could be argued that there is nothing to prevent a female pope, even if there cannot be female priests.
There have been popes who were not priests. Technically, the pope leads the church by virtue of being the bishop of Rome; there have been bishops back in medieval times who were not priests. If a lay person can be the bishop of Podunkville, a lay person can be the bishop of Rome.
finkd almost 4 years ago
How about another Pope Leo ?
Prescott_Philosopher almost 4 years ago
Oh aren’t we just so progressive.
kaffekup almost 4 years ago
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Joan_(2009_film)
https://www.encyclopedia.com/women/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/pascalina-sister-1894-1983
Ignatz Premium Member almost 4 years ago
If a woman was Pope, would we have to call her “The Mome”?
bxclent Premium Member almost 4 years ago
shut the whole thing down sell everything and give the money back to the people
rmbdot almost 4 years ago
Benedict resigning was a huge break with recent centuries of practice. I don’t think Francis would dare to retire for anything less than something seriously debilitating. Also, I really doubt he’d retire while Benedict is still alive.
Thorby almost 4 years ago
hey, Rodrigo Borgia made it to Alexander VI; what’s to stop that now?
craigwestlake almost 4 years ago
Between judges in courtrooms and various priests, I swear they must all be transvestites…
Newenglandah almost 4 years ago
Actually, it could be argued that there is nothing to prevent a female pope, even if there cannot be female priests.
There have been popes who were not priests. Technically, the pope leads the church by virtue of being the bishop of Rome; there have been bishops back in medieval times who were not priests. If a lay person can be the bishop of Podunkville, a lay person can be the bishop of Rome.
MCProfessor almost 4 years ago
Islam is not exactly known to be gender friendly.