ot: 1 min of silence

[Will]

dogscoff said:
Big question is, how long before we get a *female* pope?

Probably not for a long time. Papal succession is determined by high-ranking, old clergy. I believe the requirement is being a cardinal and over the age of 60, someone here probably knows the exact age. Currently, the Church says that only males can be clergy, so we would have to wait for that restriction to be lifted first. Then it would probably take a century or two for a female to rise to cardinal, and thus have the possibility of a vote in selecting a new pope. Although I guess it may be possible for a female to be selected to lead the Church by a bunch of celibate males...

Kind of along that note, I believe it is *possible* to select a lay person to be a pope, but highly unlikely. In that case, to get a lay female pope would need to overcome opposition from those who want a cardinal, AND those who want to keep it males-only.

Anyway, back on-topic, he seems to have led a good and fulfilling life, and that's all that can be asked.

[dogscoff]

...Then it would probably take a century or two for a female to rise to cardinal, and thus have the possibility of a vote in selecting a new pope...

So what you're saying is that in two hundred years or so the Catholic church might be ready to enter the nineteenth or twentieth century

[El_Phil]

So what you're saying is that in two hundred years or so the Catholic church might be ready to enter the nineteenth or twentieth century

That's a bit optimistic don't you think? We will probably reach Mars before we get a female pope. Based on: JP II wasn't a big fan of more female priests. He appointed 98% of those who pick his replacement and I have a feeling they'll go with a youngish pope so he'll have a (potentially) long time in the job.

Whatever the next Pope does he'd better take an example from the Church of England on how exactly not to handle the issue and practically split the entire church on a huge number of issues.

[Strategia_In_Ultima]

I couldn't agree with you more Turin.

[Atrocities]

Your right, me be sorry. My bad.