# Is the Pope allowed to retire? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [March 31, 2005, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-pope-allowed-to-retire/297109 "2005-03-31T20:53:53Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2012, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-pope-allowed-to-retire/297109/41 "2012-07-06T15:09:30Z")
> [@Bricker](#): > > Not quite – there is a nuance. > > The Code of Canon Law, Can. 332 ß1, provides that the newly-elected Pope acquires full and supreme power in the Church when, _together with episcopal consecration_, he has been lawfully elected and has accepted the election. This means he must be a bishop in order to become Pope. > > It does not, however, prevent the cardinals from electing **any baptized male.** If the College of Cardinals should happen to choose someone who did not already “have the episcopal character,” canon law requires that the man elected is immediately to be ordained as bishop. What if the Cardinals chose me, an atheist Jew? (but male) Could I be Pope? I have found my [answer](http://www.legalflip.com/Article.aspx?id=80&pageid=409): > [@](#): > > Technically, a non-Catholic male could be elected Pope, but he would have to be immediately converted to Catholicism, ordained as a priest, and consecrated as a bishop before becoming Pope. However, this is extremely unlikely I’ll do it! ---
**Author:** ![Kenm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/bc79bd/32.png) [@Kenm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kenm)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2012, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-pope-allowed-to-retire/297109/42 "2012-07-06T16:42:09Z")
Is Jesus (the Hebrew one) reckoned to be a bishop, for the purposes of taking over from the Christ pro tempor? Or would the cardinals have to make him one first? What would happen if he turned it down? ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2012, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-pope-allowed-to-retire/297109/43 "2012-07-06T18:03:35Z")
> [@MEBuckner](#): > > The traditional procedure was for the Papal Camerlengo to [smash the deceased Pope’s skull with a silver hammer](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papal_conclave#Death_of_the_pope). > [@jtgain](#): > > I know this was a whoosh, but do they still really and truly tap a pope on the head with a hammer to see if he’s still alive? > [@Nava](#): > > No, but the Pope is still declared dead by the Camerlengo rather than by a doctor. Of course, the Camerlengo does so based on what the doctors say. This all just reminds me that I need to bring _Angels and Demons_ back to the reading room at work. What a stupid book that was. I’m glad I didn’t pay to read it. ---
**Author:** ![Leo\_Bloom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leo_bloom/32/10377_2.png) [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2012, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-pope-allowed-to-retire/297109/44 "2012-07-06T19:22:31Z")
> [@Lukeinva](#): > > He hath ressurected. He is risen. See long thread withstand subject. ---
**Author:** ![Leo\_Bloom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leo_bloom/32/10377_2.png) [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2012, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-pope-allowed-to-retire/297109/45 "2012-07-06T19:24:38Z")
> [@MEBuckner](#): > > The traditional procedure was for the Papal Camerlengo to [smash the deceased Pope’s skull with a silver hammer](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papal_conclave#Death_of_the_pope). What about the Pope’s nose? ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2012, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-pope-allowed-to-retire/297109/46 "2012-07-06T19:27:03Z")
I’d just like to inform the College of Cardinals that I am willing and ready to serve as Pope if they require it of me at any time in the future. ---
**Author:** ![Simplicio](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c37758/32.png) [@Simplicio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Simplicio)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2012, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-pope-allowed-to-retire/297109/47 "2012-07-06T19:29:21Z")
> [@Smapti](#): > > I’d just like to inform the College of Cardinals that I am willing and ready to serve as Pope if they require it of me at any time in the future. Are you sure you understand what “celibacy” means"? (granted, some of the popes seemed to have been a little hazy on what it meant as well) ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2012, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-pope-allowed-to-retire/297109/48 "2012-07-06T19:31:03Z")
> [@Simplicio](#): > > Are you sure you understand what “celibacy” means"? > > (granted, some of the popes seemed to have been a little hazy on what it meant as well) Well, that would be one of the first rules I’d change. Right after gay marriage and throwing out all the people who didn’t stop the child molestation thing. ---
**Author:** ![Leo\_Bloom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leo_bloom/32/10377_2.png) [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2012, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-pope-allowed-to-retire/297109/49 "2012-07-06T19:37:52Z")
Must you be circumcised to be Pope? Carnal wedding ring and all that? ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2012, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-pope-allowed-to-retire/297109/50 "2012-07-06T19:54:55Z")
> [@Simplicio](#): > > Are you sure you understand what “celibacy” means"? > > (granted, some of the popes seemed to have been a little hazy on what it meant as well) “You fools left out an R! It’s supposed to say ‘celebrate’!” ---
**Author:** ![Polycarp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/82dd89/32.png) [@Polycarp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Polycarp)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2012, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-pope-allowed-to-retire/297109/51 "2012-07-06T20:05:29Z")
> [@MEBuckner](#): > > The traditional procedure was for the Papal Camerlengo to [smash the deceased Pope’s skull with a silver hammer](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papal_conclave#Death_of_the_pope). > [@jtgain](#): > > I know this was a whoosh, but do they still really and truly tap a pope on the head with a hammer to see if he’s still alive? [To this canticlke, no doubt](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhLL_Ie8E2U&feature=related). ---
**Author:** ![muldoonthief](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muldoonthief/32/3188_2.png) [@muldoonthief](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/muldoonthief)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2012, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-pope-allowed-to-retire/297109/52 "2012-07-06T20:06:36Z")
> [@Leo\_Bloom](#): > > Must you be circumcised to be Pope? Carnal wedding ring and all that? No, but if [Showtime](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUByK6YAA78) has taught me anything, you need “duos testiculos et bene pedentes.” And they check. ---
**Author:** ![Polycarp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/82dd89/32.png) [@Polycarp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Polycarp)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2012, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-pope-allowed-to-retire/297109/53 "2012-07-06T20:10:28Z")
> [@Kenm](#): > > Is Jesus (the Hebrew one) reckoned to be a bishop, for the purposes of taking over from the Christ pro tempor? Or would the cardinals have to make him one first? > > What would happen if he turned it down? Jesus was (and is) the Earthly incarnation of the Big KLahuna Himselkf. Alkl bishops, including archbishops, metropoitans, cardinalks, patriarchs, and popes, are acting in His stead. Catholics see the Pope as the successor of the leader (and foundation stone, in their view) of His twelve closest followers, to wit, Simon Peter. ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2012, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-pope-allowed-to-retire/297109/54 "2012-07-06T20:29:36Z")
It seems to me to be an odd question. I don’t see how the Pope could possibly not be able to abdicate, as he has supreme authority when speaking _ex cathedra_. If the Pope says God says it’s okay for him to abdicate, it is okay. The Pope in his infallible role could not be disallowed anything, as he could change the rules. ---
**Author:** ![jayjay](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jayjay/32/6765_2.png) [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2012, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-pope-allowed-to-retire/297109/55 "2012-07-06T20:37:23Z")
> [@BigT](#): > > It seems to me to be an odd question. > > I don’t see how the Pope could possibly not be able to abdicate, as he has supreme authority when speaking _ex cathedra_. If the Pope says God says it’s okay for him to abdicate, it is okay. The Pope in his infallible role could not be disallowed anything, as he could change the rules. That’s actually a pretty typical misunderstanding of papal infallibility. Whether or not a pope can resign is not a matter of doctrine or faith, which are the only matters the pope can proclaim infallibly. ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2012, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-pope-allowed-to-retire/297109/56 "2012-07-06T20:45:46Z")
> [@jayjay](#): > > That’s actually a pretty typical misunderstanding of papal infallibility. Whether or not a pope can resign is not a matter of doctrine or faith, which are the only matters the pope can proclaim infallibly. Yes, it is. I don’t misunderstand it. Things are doctrine because the pope says they are. If the Pope says that something is something God told him to do or not to do, then the administrative rules have to be rewritten. The only other possibility is deposing the pope. ---
**Author:** ![jayjay](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jayjay/32/6765_2.png) [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2012, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-pope-allowed-to-retire/297109/57 "2012-07-06T20:53:08Z")
> [@BigT](#): > > Yes, it is. I don’t misunderstand it. Things are doctrine because the pope says they are. If the Pope says that something is something God told him to do or not to do, then the administrative rules have to be rewritten. The only other possibility is deposing the pope. That’s not really the way it works. Although it is amusing that some of the same people who believe this also believe that John Paul I was murdered for daring to go after the Vatican Bank/Banco Ambrosiano scandal…how surprised he would have been that if he’d just declared the whole thing anathema, the whole Church would have fallen in behind him and he might have had a 30-year reign… ---
**Author:** ![Kenm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/bc79bd/32.png) [@Kenm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kenm)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2012, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-pope-allowed-to-retire/297109/58 "2012-07-06T22:03:11Z")
> [@Polycarp](#): > > Catholics see the Pope as the successor of the leader (and foundation stone, in their view) of His twelve closest followers, to wit, Simon Peter. Yahbut only the triple entente is/are infallible, along with the pope whenever, godlike, he decides he is. He walks and talks like a duck — especially when telling kings and prime ministers that their souls are doomed if they disobey him — despite his polite protestations otherwise for the sake of PR. ---
**Author:** ![UltraVires](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ecccb3/32.png) [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2012, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-pope-allowed-to-retire/297109/59 "2012-07-07T01:21:10Z")
> [@jayjay](#): > > That’s not really the way it works. Although it is amusing that some of the same people who believe this also believe that John Paul I was murdered for daring to go after the Vatican Bank/Banco Ambrosiano scandal…how surprised he would have been that if he’d just declared the whole thing anathema, the whole Church would have fallen in behind him and he might have had a 30-year reign… Well, then educate me as well. I was also under the impression that if the Pope decreed that priests did not have to practice celibacy, or that chewing tobacco was mandatory for all Catholics that his word was infallible and the same as if God himself spoke it. ---
**Author:** ![Polycarp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/82dd89/32.png) [@Polycarp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Polycarp)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2012, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-pope-allowed-to-retire/297109/60 "2012-07-07T01:40:59Z")
> [@Kenm](#): > > Yahbut only the triple entente is/are infallible, along with the pope whenever, godlike, he decides he is. > > He walks and talks like a duck — especially when telling kings and prime ministers that their souls are doomed if they disobey him — despite his polite protestations otherwise for the sake of PR. Religious rants go elsewhere, GD or the Pit depending on level of vitriol vs. witnessing content. Religious questions in GQ are ones with a factual answer, e.g., “What do Mormons believe about the Trinity?” This is not to say that the Mormons have the Straight Dope (heh) but that there is a factual answer to the question, “What do they believe…” about any subject they have addressed. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-pope-allowed-to-retire/297109.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-pope-allowed-to-retire/297109.md?page=4)