Can an Eastern Rite Patriarch, theoretically, ever become Pope?

[jam070406]

Originally Posted by RyanBlack

That is incorrect. He was made a cardinal in 1953, when he became Patriarch of Venice.

Thanks for the correction.

[Amadeus]

There are 3 Church laws that govern the eligibility and election of the Pope:

(1) The Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, as amended, issued by the late Bl. Pope John Paul II in 1996;

(2) the Latin Code of Canons; and

(3) the Eastern Code of Canons.

The Apostolic Constitution abrogates all previous laws governing the eligibility and election of the Pope and amends or otherwise modifies those provided by the Latin and Eastern Codes.

Based on the aforecited Apostolic Constitution, on the Codes of Canons, and on the traditions of the Roman Church, I think the following are clear:

(1) General Rule.--The Sacred College of Cardinals (from East and West), in conclave, elect the next Pope from among themselves, i.e., Cardinal electors (under 80) and non-conclave Cardinals (80 and over) are equally eligible for election.

This is inferred from Provision #53 of the AC which provides that the Roman Pontiff shall be elected from among the members of the Sacred College of Cardinals.

In effect this precludes the election of a Deacon (much less a layman, including women and minors) because of Section 1, Canon 351, of the 1983 Latin Code of Canons (and the corresponding Eastern Canon) which provides that those to be promoted Cardinals are men who are at least in the order of priesthood.

The last non-Cardinal who was elected Pope was Pope Urban VI, the then Archbishop of Acerenza (Kingdom of Naples), who was Supreme Pontiff from 1378 through his death in 1389.

(2) Exception.--The AC recognizes the remote possibility of an impasse in the election of the next Pope. In such an event, the Cardinal-electors may elect a non-member of the Sacred College, i.e., a non-Cardinal under Provision #83!

However, even under this exception, such an "outsider" must be at least a priest because, under Section 1, Canon 355, of the Latin Code (and the corresponding Eastern Canon), the newly elected Supreme Pontiff must be consecrated immediately a Bishop, if he is not already a Bishop, to exercise his office (as Pope) canonically.The immediacy of episcopal consecration as required by the Canons precludes the interim ordination of a deacon to the priesthood and the latter's ordination to the episcopacy.

By the way, since 769 A.D. non-Cardinal clerics and the laity have been debarred from participating in the election of the Pope.

Based on the foregoing, the chances for a Deacon (much less a Catholic layman), or for a non-Cardinal for that matter, to be elected Pope are nil.

Just my opinion.

[Ghosty]

I only knew of the Canon Law; I was unaware of the Apostolic Constitution modifying it. Thanks for the correction and the information!

Peace and God bless!

[Vico]

Originally Posted by Ghosty

Being a Cardinal is not a requirement to be Pope. Any Catholic man, even a layman, can be elected Pope (though a layman would have to be ordained before becoming Pope). There's no prohibition on an Eastern Catholic becoming Pope, and by some accounts it almost happened not too long ago with the Armenian Catholic Patriarch, but I don't remember the exact year. It was in the 60s, IIRC.

Peace and God bless!

It was the Armenian Catholic Patriarch (and Cardinal) Krikor Bedros XV Aghajanian in the 1958 papal conclave just after Pius XII died. He almost had a majority of votes, but Pope John XXIII won. He lived until 1971 and had these positions (from Giga-Catholic):

Titular Bishop of Comana Armeniae (1935–1937)
Patriarch of Cilicia of the Armenians (Lebanon) (1937–1962)
Cardinal-Priest of S. Bartolomeo all’Isola (1946–1970)
President of Pontifical Commission for the Codification of Oriental Canon Law (1955– 1971)
Pro-Prefect of Sacred Congregation of the Propagation of the Faith (1958–1960)
Prefect of Sacred Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples (1960–1970)
Cardinal-Bishop of Albano (1970–1971)

[Vico]

Originally Posted by Amadeus

There are 3 Church laws that govern the eligibility and election of the Pope:

(1) The Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, as amended, issued by the late Bl. Pope John Paul II in 1996;

(2) the Latin Code of Canons; and

(3) the Eastern Code of Canons.

The Apostolic Constitution abrogates all previous laws governing the eligibility and election of the Pope and amends or otherwise modifies those provided by the Latin and Eastern Codes.

Based on the aforecited Apostolic Constitution, on the Codes of Canons, and on the traditions of the Roman Church, I think the following are clear:

(1) General Rule.--The Sacred College of Cardinals (from East and West), in conclave, elect the next Pope from among themselves, i.e., Cardinal electors (under 80) and non-conclave Cardinals (80 and over) are equally eligible for election.

This is inferred from Provision #53 of the AC which provides that the Roman Pontiff shall be elected from among the members of the Sacred College of Cardinals.

In effect this precludes the election of a Deacon (much less a layman, including women and minors) because of Section 1, Canon 351, of the 1983 Latin Code of Canons (and the corresponding Eastern Canon) which provides that those to be promoted Cardinals are men who are at least in the order of priesthood.

The last non-Cardinal who was elected Pope was Pope Urban VI, the then Archbishop of Acerenza (Kingdom of Naples), who was Supreme Pontiff from 1378 through his death in 1389.

(2) Exception.--The AC recognizes the remote possibility of an impasse in the election of the next Pope. In such an event, the Cardinal-electors may elect a non-member of the Sacred College, i.e., a non-Cardinal under Provision #83!

However, even under this exception, such an "outsider" must be at least a priest because, under Section 1, Canon 355, of the Latin Code (and the corresponding Eastern Canon), the newly elected Supreme Pontiff must be consecrated immediately a Bishop, if he is not already a Bishop, to exercise his office (as Pope) canonically.The immediacy of episcopal consecration as required by the Canons precludes the interim ordination of a deacon to the priesthood and the latter's ordination to the episcopacy.

By the way, since 769 A.D. non-Cardinal clerics and the laity have been debarred from participating in the election of the Pope.

Based on the foregoing, the chances for a Deacon (much less a Catholic layman), or for a non-Cardinal for that matter, to be elected Pope are nil.

Just my opinion.

Here is an interesting Moto Proprio (2007 Benedictus XVI) Concerning Some Changes in the Norms of the Election of the Roman Pontiff revoking 75 of Universi Dominici gregis. That means no more absolute majority when there is a deadlock, it must be two-thirds.

http://www.ewtn.com/holysee/Interreg...tationibus.asp

[Aramis]

It's also been leaked by 3 different cardinals that HB Lubomyr Cardinal Hussar was nominated in the elections that resulted in HH Benedict XVI. It's been implied he was the primary other cardinal considered.

The 20th century has been good for the Eastern Churches. Our clergy have been granted true equality, our liturgies have been returned to our bishops' care.

[ConstantineTG]

Originally Posted by Aramis

It's also been leaked by 3 different cardinals that HB Lubomyr Cardinal Hussar was nominated in the elections that resulted in HH Benedict XVI. It's been implied he was the primary other cardinal considered.

The 20th century has been good for the Eastern Churches. Our clergy have been granted true equality, our liturgies have been returned to our bishops' care.

I have a feeling that HB Sviatoslav will get his turn. Not so soon though, he isn't even a Cardinal yet but he's only 40. My guess is 15-20 years from now.

[Matthew Holford]

Originally Posted by ConstantineTG

Well, there is no doctrinal hindrance I believe for a married man becoming a Bishop. The discipline was established by an Ecumenical Council, but its still not dogma that only a celibate may become Bishop. Like I said, the possibility is as close to zero as possible without being zero. The possibility is left there because we don't know whom God will choose to lead His Church on earth.

Married men cannot be ordained as bishops. When former Anglican clergy are ordained as Catholic priests they cannot become bishops if they are married. Earlier this year a new Ordinariate was created in England for former Anglicans who were received into the Latin Catholic Church. A former Anglican bishop was ordained as a Catholic priest in January 2011 and was made Ordinary of this new ordinariate. Because he is married he cannot be ordained as a Catholic bishop. I believe that this is similar to the discipline in the Eastern Catholic churches.

[Matthew Holford]

Originally Posted by Amadeus

There are 3 Church laws that govern the eligibility and election of the Pope:

(1) The Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, as amended, issued by the late Bl. Pope John Paul II in 1996;

(2) the Latin Code of Canons; and

(3) the Eastern Code of Canons.

The Apostolic Constitution abrogates all previous laws governing the eligibility and election of the Pope and amends or otherwise modifies those provided by the Latin and Eastern Codes.

Based on the aforecited Apostolic Constitution, on the Codes of Canons, and on the traditions of the Roman Church, I think the following are clear:

(1) General Rule.--The Sacred College of Cardinals (from East and West), in conclave, elect the next Pope from among themselves, i.e., Cardinal electors (under 80) and non-conclave Cardinals (80 and over) are equally eligible for election.

This is inferred from Provision #53 of the AC which provides that the Roman Pontiff shall be elected from among the members of the Sacred College of Cardinals.

In effect this precludes the election of a Deacon (much less a layman, including women and minors) because of Section 1, Canon 351, of the 1983 Latin Code of Canons (and the corresponding Eastern Canon) which provides that those to be promoted Cardinals are men who are at least in the order of priesthood.

The last non-Cardinal who was elected Pope was Pope Urban VI, the then Archbishop of Acerenza (Kingdom of Naples), who was Supreme Pontiff from 1378 through his death in 1389.

(2) Exception.--The AC recognizes the remote possibility of an impasse in the election of the next Pope. In such an event, the Cardinal-electors may elect a non-member of the Sacred College, i.e., a non-Cardinal under Provision #83!

However, even under this exception, such an "outsider" must be at least a priest because, under Section 1, Canon 355, of the Latin Code (and the corresponding Eastern Canon), the newly elected Supreme Pontiff must be consecrated immediately a Bishop, if he is not already a Bishop, to exercise his office (as Pope) canonically.The immediacy of episcopal consecration as required by the Canons precludes the interim ordination of a deacon to the priesthood and the latter's ordination to the episcopacy.

By the way, since 769 A.D. non-Cardinal clerics and the laity have been debarred from participating in the election of the Pope.

Based on the foregoing, the chances for a Deacon (much less a Catholic layman), or for a non-Cardinal for that matter, to be elected Pope are nil.

Just my opinion.

From where are you accessing Universi Dominici Gregis? The sections that you cited, ##53 and 83, are not relevant to the points you raise in the English language version of Universi Dominici Gregis on the Vatican's web site (http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/jo...gregis_en.html accessed: 12/06/2011 at 23:27).

[Cecilianus]

Originally Posted by George Stegmeir

Where is it written that only a Cardinal can become Pope? I was always taught that any Catholic male could be elected Pope, and could he be consecrated Pope after he was first ordained a Priest.

Popes are not consecrated; they become Pope as soon as they express consent to it (presuming they have already been ordained a bishop in a different diocese, which is always true in practice but not in theory - we have had non-bishops before been elected Pope). The Papacy is not a "fourth level" of Holy Orders, so there is no sort of sacramental ordination of a Pope.

[ConstantineTG]

Originally Posted by Matthew Holford

Married men cannot be ordained as bishops. When former Anglican clergy are ordained as Catholic priests they cannot become bishops if they are married. Earlier this year a new Ordinariate was created in England for former Anglicans who were received into the Latin Catholic Church. A former Anglican bishop was ordained as a Catholic priest in January 2011 and was made Ordinary of this new ordinariate. Because he is married he cannot be ordained as a Catholic bishop. I believe that this is similar to the discipline in the Eastern Catholic churches.

Yes, I know that. I am just saying that it wasn't always that way and its not something that can never be done. The Church has established that it shouldn't be done but not as a matter of doctrine, but rather a strict tradition. Kind of like that the Eucharist can be consecrated outside of Liturgy, but the Church prohibits that by law under any and all circumstances.

[mardukm]

Originally Posted by Cecilianus

Popes are not consecrated; they become Pope as soon as they express consent to it (presuming they have already been ordained a bishop in a different diocese, which is always true in practice but not in theory - we have had non-bishops before been elected Pope). The Papacy is not a "fourth level" of Holy Orders, so there is no sort of sacramental ordination of a Pope.

Thank you, brother. The topic has never come to my mind, but this is very good to know.

Blessings,
Marduk

[BlackCatholics]

Originally Posted by AlexPetrosPio

This question applies, obviously, only to Eastern Rite Catholic patriarchs in communion with Rome and not to the Eastern Orthodox patriarchs. I'm currious because, though the title is retired, the Bishop of Rome is the Patriarch of the West, but if (let's use Gregory III Laham, Patriarch of Antioch for example) more qualified to be the Vicor of Christ than any of his western counterparts, could he, in theory, become the next Pope? Or would the (although retired) title of Patriarch of the West prevent him from becoming the next Pope and Bishop of Rome?

I gotta stir the pot here. They already are. (While I am a Black Catholic and my chief archbishop is Benedict), I know that Yeshua set one Church. Man Split it. Consequently, the chair of St. Mark has Pope Shenouda III as we speak.
(Since I ain't European heritage, I could really care less about the 1054 East excommunicating the West, and West excommunicating the East. I do know however, that when the Crusaders went to the Holy Land, they attacked and sacked Eastern Catholic (Orthodox, Byzantine, whatever you wish to call 'em) churches.
And there's that little thing about Westerners cutting off hands of Eastern Catholic/Orthodox etc Christians, because they made the sign of the cross with two fingers, instead of how we do it.
Hopefully, all our brethren will get to know Kiril, and Bartholomew and 'dem, since the philosopher Tielhard de Chardin said the Church is involution (slowly coming back together).
We might not see it in our lifetimes, but its gonna happen. Yeshua and Mama Maryam will see to it.
Pax Christi

[JackQ]

Originally Posted by Biedrik

They certainly could. Of course, this patriarch would have to be a cardinal first.

There's no requirement that the man elected be a cardinal. He can even be a layman. Of course, he'd have to be ordained a bishop as he took the bishopric of Rome.

[JackQ]

Originally Posted by AlexPetrosPio

This question applies, obviously, only to Eastern Rite Catholic patriarchs in communion with Rome and not to the Eastern Orthodox patriarchs. I'm currious because, though the title is retired, the Bishop of Rome is the Patriarch of the West, but if (let's use Gregory III Laham, Patriarch of Antioch for example) more qualified to be the Vicor of Christ than any of his western counterparts, could he, in theory, become the next Pope? Or would the (although retired) title of Patriarch of the West prevent him from becoming the next Pope and Bishop of Rome?

Sure he can. The only requirement is that he be a Catholic man.