There are several Rites within the Church. The Latin Rite is the largest and most well-known, but each of the Rites are equal, they are all as ancient, and they all have equal standing. The Cardinal from any Rite may be elected as Pope, the Pope automatically, upon his election, may celebrate any of the Rites. So the short answer to your question is yes, Eastern Rite Cardinals are just as eligible for the papacy as the Latin Rite Cardinals.
He was made a cardinal in 1977 by Pope Paul VI.
A cardinal is a member of the College of Cardinals. The basic duty of a cardinal is to vote for a new Pope during a conclave. Cardinals are chosen by the reigning Holy Father, usually from the Bishops, but not always.
Pope Francis became a Cardinal in the year 2001
He was elevated to cardinal by Pope Paul VI on June 27, 1977.
He was elevated to cardinal on February 21, 2001, by Pope John Paul II.
He was elected in a conclave by the cardinal electors.
John Paul II was elevated to cardinal by Pope Paul VI in Rome on June 26, 1967.
He was raised to the rank of cardinal on June 27, 1977, by Pope Paul VI.
Pope Francis was elevated to cardinal on February 21, 2001, by Pope John Paul II.
No, there is no position between cardinal and pope.
Any adult male Catholic may become Pope, although if you are not a Cardinal under the age of 80, your chances are pretty slim. Any Jesuit Cardinal would have the same likelihood as any other Cardinal, it's up to the Holy Spirit and the cooperation of the Cardinals with Him.
Paul VI made him a Cardinal with the priestly title of "Santa Maria Consolatrice al Tiburtino", during the Consistory of June 27, 1977.