Why can a woman never become pope?
The new pope who will succeed Pope Francis will certainly not be a woman – due to centuries-long tradition. Who will take on the role of the Holy Father at the head of the Catholic Church after the death of Pope Francis is a question that interests a large part of the world, but the answer to that question is still unknown.
The new pope must be a man
Although the Papal Conclave will not begin until at least 15 days have passed, and decisions will be made in secrecy within the walls of the Sistine Chapel, it is already known that the new pope will be a man – because all 138 potential candidates are men, reports Index.
Despite his more liberal approach, Pope Francis has firmly maintained the position that women cannot assume this esteemed role. Theoretically, any baptized man may be considered for election, although the conclave in practice generally selects someone who is already a cardinal. The rules stipulate that the candidate must not be married and must already be recognized as a priest, bishop, deacon, layman, or cardinal.
This is precisely why baptized women do not have the same opportunity – because the Catholic Church does not allow women to be ordained as priests. It is a tradition that spans centuries and has applied to all 266 popes.
The role of women in the Church
This news may surprise some, considering that since his election in 2013, Pope Francis has not shied away from breaking traditions – he gave up the papal palace and chose to live in the Domus Sanctae Marthae, a more modest church residence, instead of the lavish Apostolic Palace.
The Argentine cardinal, who took the name Francis in honor of Francis of Assisi, is known as the "progressive pope" due to his liberal views on topics such as climate change and LGBTQ+ rights. He has also advocated for other reforms, such as greater inclusion of women in high-ranking positions in the Vatican, and appointed more cardinals from outside Europe than any of his predecessors – all as part of a vision of a more inclusive Catholic Church. Even after his death, he will continue to break norms – he will be buried outside the Vatican.
However, allowing the ordination of women has never been part of his agenda. Instead, he emphasized in an interview with the magazine America that women have a different, but equally important role in the Church. When asked by a journalist why women cannot be ordained, he replied: “Why can’t a woman enter the ordained ministry? Because in the Petrine principle, there is no place for that,” according to the Catholic News Agency.
Incidentally, the Petrine principle refers to the theological idea in the Catholic Church that the pope is the successor of Saint Peter, one of the twelve apostles, whom Catholics regard as the first pope. This principle is the foundation of papal authority and the hierarchy within the Church.
“The fact that a woman does not enter ministerial life is not a deprivation”
Pope Francis further explained that the Church is “a woman” and “a bride,” and that religion has not yet developed a theology of women that would reflect that. He emphasized the existing Marian principle of femininity: “The fact that a woman does not enter ministerial life is not a deprivation. No. Her place is even more important, but we still have to develop it – a catechesis on women in the sense of the Marian principle.”
He also hinted that the “administrative path” could be an opportunity for women, acknowledging: “I believe that in this aspect we need to give more space to women.” He also added that women are better at managing affairs and called the appointment of five women to specific roles a “revolution.”
