What Would The Best Criteria For Choosing A Pope?

[modeller]

On question time today someone asked jokingly.
What chance would there be of the next Pope being a black female ?

We all know the answer to that question, but it does raise the question ,
what would be best criteria for the world , when choosing a pope , if we all had a free vote ?

[boxtops]

I'm not a Catholic but I would think

his fellow Cardinals who are voting for him think he has

a sound knowledge of the teachings of the Church
an understanding of modern issues (e.g. how lack of contraception affects the huge number of people in his flock)
the ability to keep his priests etc within the law (e.g. no inappropriate behaviour with minors)
frank and open in all his dealings
an understanding of world issues at large
a willingness to discuss with the leaders of other world religions

and so on....

[ll_billym]

Sense of humour with tongue firmly in cheek.

[FredPuli43]

To be to the papacy what Lord Denning was to the judiciary. That is, always eager and willing to avoid any strict or literal interpretation of the law, whatever ingenuity that required, in favour of rulings which the people saw as fair and reflecting the world they lived in .

[sandyRoe]

He would need to be youngish so that there's no hint of scandal attached to him. A liberal, caring, attitude wouldn't go amiss either.
Unfortunately, Cardinals aren't noted for their youthfulness nor their liberality.

[Clanad]

For what it's worth, there are several books and articles out (at least here in the U.S.) focused on the 800 year old prophecy of an Irish monk later canonized and know as St. Malachy. He seemed to detail a list of future Pope's and some in the Catholic tradition (I'm not one, btw) believe Benedict would have been the last 'believing' Pope. One recent such book, which I haven't read, is entitled Petrus Romanus by Tom Horn, Gary Stearman & Cris Putnam.

Most discount the prophecy, but as in any transitional era, some will believe what they will...

[mushroom25]

since the pope is responsible for choosing the electorate (the cardinals), there doesn't seem to be much chance of a radical choice. However Peter Turkson is a strong contender - but dare the cardinals elect the 3rd non Italian in a row?

A black pope? very possibly. Now... what's the possibility of a black UK monarch?

[mushroom25]

steve, although she was queen, she was a consort, not a monarch.

[Peter Pedant]

I think the best criterion for choosing a pope would be.....

a shoot out. No not a shoot out with footballs

the real thing !

[modeller]

I would put being married as my number one requirement ,
as that's the only way the priesthood could be normal
Being black this time would be a good idea.
Being female would require a genuine miracle , which is a bit beyond the Vatican .

[doctordb]

It doesn't matter. The posistion of pope is completely irrelevant in the modern world.

[LazyGun]

Well, I am writing to the Vatican to endorse this guys candidacy - And now I have read Clanads post about the prophecy about Benedict being the last believing Pope, I am confident this guy has it in the bag :)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/brain-flapping/2013/feb/11/pope-resigns-scientist-applies-job

[modeller]

doctordb. I have to disagree with you because a radical Pope could have a profound effect on the world.
If con-doms were encouraged it would help to stop the deaths of thousands
through AIDS, reduce unwanted pregnances, and abortions.
If celibacy was scrapped and married priests were accepted, child abuse would drop dramatically IMO .
The Vatican can't make up their mind on gene therapy and genetic engineering, which is currently costing lives.
A radical Pope could change the lives of millions .

It wont happen of course, because not only the fact we wont get a radical Pope but also because it would weaken the power of the papacy and the admission that for hundreds of years they were wrong.

[andy-hughes]

In order to be anywhere hear the position of Pope, you already need to have proved that you totally agree with things just as they are, and have no intention of rocking the boat.

In almost all other jobs, when you are too old and reactionary and biggoted and befuddled and senile and infirm and blind and deaf to rampant child abuse, and away with the fairies, you have to retire.

In the Catholic church, you are just about qualified to stand for election as the Pope.

[Zeuhl]

/It doesn't matter. The posistion of pope is completely irrelevant in the modern world. /

doctordb

Sad to report that with a growing congregation in the Americas and Africa that is (unfortunately) not true