Does the next pope have to be a man? Sacred Catholic tradition explained

Women can serve as nuns in the Catholic Church,but not as priests (Picture: AFP via Getty)

There are two things you can bet on when voting for a new Pope begins: they will be Catholic – and a man.

But with more than half of the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics being female,why can’t women be considered for the church’s top job?

It’s quite simple – women cannot become priests.

Whoever becomes Pope must be a baptised Catholic,and a bishop,priest,cardinal,deacon or layman.

Catholics believe only men can be priests based on tradition.

The reason why women can’t become the Pope can be traced back to a simple reason: women can’t become priests (Picture: AFP via Getty)

The most common citation is that Jesus Christ called 12 apostles – all men – to spread his word.

Despite this,women can still be nuns,altar servers,lectors and hold other leadership positions in the Catholic Church.

Has a woman ever been the Pope?

If you believe the legend of Pope Joan,then yes,there has been a Popess.

The story goes that Pope Joan served during the Middle Ages between 855 and 858.

we need a girl pope #girlpope

— bald ann dowd (@ali_sivi) April 21,2025

She is said to have disguised herself as a man to follow her lover into the church and rose through the ranks,but was outed when she gave birth during a procession and then died.

The legend gained traction in the 13th century (so 400 years later) and it was rumoured that she used the name John VIII.

However,it has been considered a myth since the 16th century and has been proven to be false,so no,there has never been a female Pope.

Who could replace Pope Francis?

Pope Francis has had an outpouring of love after his death (Picture: Getty)

To replace Pope Francis,nine men have been named as top contenders,hailing from various backgrounds,politics and countries.

They include 70-year-old Cardinal Pietro Parolin from Italy,who has been Pope Francis’ secretary of state and has been widely tipped as among the favourites to succeed him.

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle,67,from the Philippines,who is among the younger candidates,is said to be charismatic and able to handle the media.

Cardinal Peter Turkson,76,from Ghana,is said to be multilingual and charming.

Cardinal Peter Erdő,from Hungary,would bring a more conservative stance than Pope Francis,it is understood.