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The Pope is the bishop of Rome and the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church. Any male baptized Catholic is eligible to be elected as Pope. In the early centuries of Christianity, the title Pope was applied to all bishops and other senior clergy, especially in the East. However, it later became reserved for the bishop of Rome. While there have been popes who were not cardinals or bishops, there is no indication that there has ever been a non-Catholic Pope.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Religion of Popes | Popes have historically been Catholics. However, some popes were born into pagan families or were baptised later in life, like Pope Symmachus. |
| Eligibility for Pope | Any male baptised Catholic is eligible to be elected as Pope. |
| Pope's Authority | The Pope is the bishop of Rome and is considered the world's most powerful person due to his extensive diplomatic, cultural, and spiritual influence. |
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What You'll Learn
Pope Symmachus was baptised after arriving in Rome
Pope Symmachus, who was born on the Mediterranean island of Sardinia (then under Vandal rule), was baptised after his arrival in Rome. Symmachus was born a pagan and was the son of Fortunatus. He was baptised in Rome and, with his ordination as deacon, entered the ranks of the Roman clergy. He was elected pope on 22 November 498 at the Constantinian basilica (Saint John Lateran). However, his tenure was marked by a serious schism over who was elected pope by a majority of the Roman clergy.
Symmachus was one of the Ostrogothic Popes, a term used to describe popes who came from aristocratic families. He was around 38 years old when he became pope and died at the age of 54 on 19 July 514. He was buried at St. Peter's Basilica or Cathedral and is known today as Pope Saint Symmachus.
During his time as pope, Symmachus fought over his position and whether he deserved it. He was accused of various crimes, including celebrating Easter on the wrong date, unchastity, and the misuse of church property. He was also faced with a rival claimant to the papacy, Laurentius, who was supported by a dissenting faction with Byzantine sympathies. Symmachus called a synod in Rome that brought together more than 70 clergymen and bishops to discuss his papacy and the problem of Lawrence.
Despite the dissension during his early days as pope, the different sides of the Church eventually came together and recognised him as the official pope. Symmachus followed Christological issues in the East, rebuked Emperor Anastasius for his support of the Monophysite heresy, maintained his spiritual power's independence, and built many churches, including refuges for the poor. He also sent food, money, and clothing to bishops in Sardinia and Africa after the Vandals exiled them.
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Popes have been saints, martyrs, and even sold the papacy
In addition, 13 other popes are in the process of becoming canonized saints. As of December 2018, two are recognized as Servants of God, one is recognized as Venerable, and 10 have been declared Blessed or Beati, making a total of 95 (97 if Pope Liberius and Pope Adeodatus II are recognized as saints) of the 266 Roman pontiffs being recognized and venerated for their heroic virtues and contributions to the Church.
Many popes have also been martyrs. Saint Peter, for example, was martyred by upside-down crucifixion around the year 67. Pope Linus, Pope Anacletus or Cletus, Pope Clement I, Pope Evaristus, Pope Sixtus I, and Pope Telesphorus are also among the long list of pope-martyrs.
Finally, one pope is known for selling the papacy. Pope Benedict IX, who came into his position very young due to his family connections, is described as a "demon from Hell in the disguise of a priest." He is said to have committed many sins, including selling church offices for bribes (a sin known as "simony"), hosting frequent bisexual orgies, and cursing God at every meal. In 1048, Benedict was officially removed from office and later charged with simony. He eventually became a monk and died in 1065.
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Any baptised male Catholic is eligible to be elected Pope
The Pope is the bishop of Rome and the head of the Catholic Church. Any baptised male Catholic is eligible to be elected Pope, regardless of whether they are a cardinal elector or cardinal. If the elected candidate is not a bishop, they must be ordained before the election is announced.
Historically, many early popes were born into pagan families and later baptised. For example, Pope Symmachus (498-514) was born a pagan in Sardinia and was baptised after his arrival in Rome.
The Coptic pope is the head of the Coptic Orthodox Church, which is an Oriental Orthodox church and not Catholic.
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Popes are some of the most powerful people in the world
The pope's spiritual authority has been increasingly asserted over time, culminating in 1870 with the proclamation of papal infallibility for rare occasions when the pope speaks ex cathedra, or 'from the chair of Saint Peter', to issue a formal definition of faith or morals. The concept of papal primacy, or the pope's unique authority within the early Christian Church, was established by sources such as Cyprian of Carthage, who in his letters, recognised the bishop of Rome as the successor of St. Peter.
The pope also heads the world's largest non-government provider of education and healthcare, with a vast network of charities. The position of pope is unique in that any male baptised Catholic is eligible to be elected, and if the elected candidate is not already a bishop, he must be ordained as one before the election is announced.
Historically, many early popes were born into pagan families and later baptised, such as Pope Symmachus, who was baptised after his arrival in Rome. However, there is no clear evidence of a pope who converted from another religion later in life.
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The Pope is the head of the Catholic Church
The term "pope" comes from the Ancient Greek word "páppas", meaning "father". While the term is now primarily associated with the head of the Catholic Church, it was originally used more broadly to refer to all bishops and other senior clergy, especially in the East.
According to tradition, the Pope must be a male Catholic who has been baptised. However, there have been instances of popes being elected before becoming bishops, priests, or even cardinals. For example, Gregory XVI was elected in 1831 before becoming a bishop, and Leo X was elected in 1513 before becoming a priest.
The Pope is believed to have spiritual authority and, on rare occasions, the power to make infallible pronouncements on matters of faith and morals when speaking "ex cathedra", or "from the chair [of Saint Peter]". This belief in papal infallibility was formally proclaimed in 1870.
While the Pope is the head of the Catholic Church, there have been questions and debates about whether the Pope himself is Catholic. Some sources claim that the Pope is not Catholic, referring specifically to the Coptic Pope of Alexandria, who heads the Coptic Orthodox Church, which is an Oriental Orthodox Church.
Additionally, there have been discussions about whether there have been popes from other religious backgrounds. While there is no clear evidence of popes who were former Muslims, Hindus, or Buddhists, some early popes were likely converts from other religions or philosophical schools. For example, Pope Symmachus (498-514) is known to have been baptised after his arrival in Rome, suggesting a prior pagan background.
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Frequently asked questions
It is unclear whether there has ever been a non-Catholic pope. However, it is known that several popes were born into pagan families and later converted to Catholicism. Pope Symmachus, for example, was baptised after his arrival in Rome.
Yes, Gregory XVI was the last pope to be elected when he was not yet a bishop, in 1831.
Yes, Leo X was the last pope to be elected when he was not a priest, in 1513.
Yes, Urban VI was the last pope to be elected when he was not a cardinal, in 1378.
Yes, Pope Benedict IX resigned after his first term and later returned for two more terms. Celestine was the first pope to make a canonical statement that he was allowed to resign.
