Interestingly, the method for selecting the pope has changed a number of times too, over the centuries. Peter directly chose Clement as his successor, as did a number of popes after him. I believe some were selected by casting lots, and IIRC, there even was one pope selected by a dove descending and landing on the person. :). Around the 1100’s, I believe the practice of election via cardinals became standard, although layman were allowed at times to be cardinals, as were priests and monks. Once a hermit/monk living prayerfully in a cave was elected pope, and was given full orders of course in the process.
I’ve run across different references to a layman becoming pope - one link here: https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/who-can-be-pope-13803
Interestingly, the method for selecting the pope has changed a number of times too, over the centuries. Peter directly chose Clement as his successor, as did a number of popes after him. I believe some were selected by casting lots, and IIRC, there even was one pope selected by a dove descending and landing on the person. :). Around the 1100’s, I believe the practice of election via cardinals became standard, although layman were allowed at times to be cardinals, as were priests and monks. Once a hermit/monk living prayerfully in a cave was elected pope, and was given full orders of course in the process.
A good website for catholic information in general is http://www.catholic.com
Thanks, this is good info!