Pope election: Why women in the conclave have no chance

will a woman soon sit on the Pope's chair? Vatican expert has a clear opinion

With the death of Pope Francis, the question of his successor is in focus. While the conclave is imminent, the discussion arises whether a woman could become the head of the Catholics. A look at history and the current church rules shows that this is not possible for various reasons.

The historian Dr. Nino Galetti emphasizes that there is no evidence of a female pope in the official historiography. The picture of Pope Johanna, which is said to have been created in the ninth century, is considered a legend. Since its beginnings, the Catholic Church has a strict male dominance in management positions, especially in the highest offices. The choice of the Pope is therefore reserved for men who act as cardinals.

The role of ordination in the pope election

The cardinals entitled to vote, which choose a new Pope in the explanation, are all male, since only men can receive the ordination. This consecration is a basic requirement for the appointment as a cardinal. Thus, the fact that only men can become priests is crucial for the papal office to continue to reserve men.

Resistance to changes in the women's question

Pope Francis himself commented against the consecration of women in the past and did not see this decision as discrimination. He made it clear that the exclusion of women from the priesthood did not reduce their dignity, but rather had to be recognized otherwise. Its positioning is based on theological principles that define the role of men and women within the church.

whether something will change in the strict attitude of the Catholic Church compared to the consecration of women in the near future appears questionable. Dr. Galetti sees no prospect that during our lifetime there will be an opening towards women in the priesthood. The upcoming elections will again show that the Catholic Church remains true to traditional values.