With Pope Leo XIV’s recent selection, billions of people have now turned their attention to the papal selection process and its criteria, both formal and informal, that are steeped in centuries of tradition.

There are only two formal requirements that a candidate must comply with to be considered for the position: male and baptized as a Catholic.

While only six popes out of the 266 were not taken from the ranks of the cardinal electors, laymen and lesser clergy members have the opportunity to be ordained as pope. 

The low number of popes who were not cardinals suggests that there are informal criteria that many electors look for. Among these are four main informal requirements that cardinals consider based on the needs of the church at the time.

The first factor considered is the candidate’s current rank in the church. Typically, Popes  were previously cardinals because they were appointed by previous popes, deemed to be the best prepared for the challenging position and most knowledgeable about the faith and the workings of the Vatican.

Additionally, candidates in poor health are rarely considered. The papacy is challenging mentally, spiritually and physically. With previous popes fighting illnesses during their tenure, many cardinals look for a healthy pontiff.

The last two main informal rules deal with age. Elector cardinals look for a goldilocks zone where the candidate is not too young or old. 

Generally, cardinals do not want a younger candidate for a variety of reasons, such as inexperience or less overall chances to prove themselves. In addition, cardinals often do not elect a younger candidate due to the unforeseen impacts a longer papacy can have on the church. On the other hand, cardinals are unlikely to choose an older candidate due to health concerns. 

Despite the established requirements, there is often a question of whether or not these criteria can be reformed. Even in this era of monumental change within the church, the traditional process of electing the pope may need no reform at all. 

Of the two qualifications of a papal candidate, only the gender of the candidate seems controversial. The topic of female involvement in the church is heavily debated, and, in many Protestant divisions of the faith, women are offered positions in the clergy. However, the Catholic Church posits that members of the clergy are to represent the image of Jesus, a male figure, and therefore, only men may be priests. 

Unless there is a significant change in the understanding of scripture, it seems that a woman won’t become the pope any time soon.

The flexibility in defining a future pope comes from the personal criteria held by the individual voting cardinals. For example, in the modern era, cardinals are often divided on conservative versus liberal lines, choosing between reform and adherence to doctrine. In past centuries, cardinals were split on nationality between French and Italian candidates, or by countless other conflicts of opinion that affect how a pope might govern.

Change is necessary for an organization that has existed for thousands of years because it must adapt to new circumstances.

Communications High School world history teacher Conroy commented on the changing environment of religion in the modern world.

“The evolution of the papacy is inevitable,” said Conroy.