Canon law specifies that any baptised male Catholic is eligible for election as pope. The last time that happened was in 1378. That was 647 years ago—not too long ago if you think of history’s long reach.
By Rudolf Ogoo Okonkwo
Even before the newspapers finished rolling out their first prints, the conversation had already shifted to who should be the next pope.
The evening newspapers quickly began throwing out names of potential replacements, listing each candidate’s strengths and weaknesses.
Somewhere in the conversation, you’ll find a brief mention of the challenges the new pope will face.
Canon law specifies that any baptised male Catholic is eligible for election as pope. The last time that happened was in 1378. That was 647 years ago—not too long ago if you think of history’s long reach.
But what followed is not something the Church would like to see again. It led to a schism that resulted in the emergence of two popes and, later, three. It stayed that way until 1417.