How long can you be pope?

Answer 1

There's no actual limit, other than the natural limitation of human lifespan and the fact that at least in modern times most popes aren't elected until they're at least well into middle age (the average age at coronation of popes since the 1500s has been over 60; John Paul II, who was elected at 58, was considered to be unusually young for the position).

Answer 2

There has been a pope for nearly 2000 years since the appointment of Peter as the first pope.

The pope is a title given to the bishop of Rome, although at certain times in the Middle Ages he did not actually reside in Rome. The Catholic Church teaches that the apostle Peter visited Rome in the middle of the first century, and led the church of Rome, and thus became the first pope. However, Francis A. Sullivan SJ (From Apostles to Bishops) says that the Catholic position remains far from easy to establish. This is an acknowledgement that even if Peter did visit Rome, he does not appear to have led the church there, nor appointed a bishop to succeed him.

Sullivan says that most scholars are of the opinion that, in spite of Church tradition, the church of Rome was led by a group of presbyters, and that bishops were not appointed to the church in Rome until around the middle of the second century. The term 'pope' began to be used to refer specifically to the bishop of Rome a few decades later, but until then seems to have been used to refer to any bishop. There has been a pope for more than 1850 years, since the election of the first bishop of Rome.

Answer 3

The pope is a title given to the bishop of Rome, although at certain times in the Middle Ages he did not actually reside in Rome. The Catholic Church teaches that the apostle Peter visited Rome in the middle of the first century, and led the church of Rome, and thus became the first pope. However, Francis A. Sullivan SJ (From Apostles to Bishops) says that the Catholic position remains far from easy to establish. This is an acknowledgement that even if Peter did visit Rome, he does not appear to have led the church there, nor appointed a bishop to succeed him.

Sullivan says that most scholars are of the opinion that, in spite of Church tradition, the church of Rome was led by a group of presbyters, and that bishops were not appointed to the church in Rome until around the middle of the second century. The term 'pope' began to be used to refer specifically to the bishop of Rome a few decades later, but until then seems to have been used to refer to any bishop. There has been a pope for more than 1850 years, since the election of the first bishop of Rome.

Answer 4

The Pope will hold office until their death or they become incapacitated or if they abdicate (Choose to stop being pope).

Answer 5

A cardinal can become Pope, if elected by the college of cardinals. It does not not happen too often. usually one is Pope for life, or if he retires.

Answer 6

There has been a pope for nearly 2000 years since the appointment of Peter as the first pope.

Answer 7

A pope serves until he dies or abdicates (resigns). There is no prescribed term of office.

Answer 8

He is elected to serve for life unless he abdicates (retires, resigns).

Answer 9

A pope is elected for life or until he chooses to retire or resign.