Italians proposing Schönborn for Papal position
Cardinal Christoph Schönborn might just shake up the papal succession talks, contrary to initial beliefs. At 80 years old, Schönborn, the Archbishop of Vienna, typically falls outside the eligible pool due to church law restrictions.
As per the present religious law, the potential pope needs to be a baptized, Roman Catholic man with a valid priestly ordination. In an unexpected twist, Italian broadcaster Rai questions if this long-held belief could be turned on its head, with Schönborn being a contender, despite his ineligibility to vote.
While attending Pope Francis' funeral in Rome, Schönborn kept things casual in a conversation with ORF. He acknowledged the hypothetical nature of the speculation, stating, "It's all theoretical because nobody knows who the next pope will be. Of course, an 80-year-old could be elected, could." He then swiftly moved on, emphasizing, "Next topic."
Critics argue that while theoretically any Catholic male can be elected pope, the tradition since 1378 has favored candidates from the cardinal pool who are under the age of 80. Cardinal Schönborn reached the age of 80 in January 2025, pushing him beyond the eligible bracket[4][5].
Despite his age preventing him from being a candidate, Schönborn is a renowned theologian and, in past discussions, was viewed as a possible candidate for the papacy due to his intellectual depth and expertise in handling church issues[5]. The stage might be set for an unprecedented turn of events in the Catholic Church's hierarchy. But for now, only time will tell who will wear the papal crown.
- Despite Cardinal Christoph Schönborn's age and ineligibility to vote, Italian broadcaster Rai questions if he could be a contender for the papacy, turning long-held beliefs about the election process on its head.
- Schönborn, being a renowned theologian, was once considered a possible candidate for the papacy due to his intellectual depth and expertise in handling church issues.
- In the general-news sphere, there have been speculations that the stage might be set for an unprecedented turn of events in the Catholic Church's hierarchy, with Schönborn being a potential pope despite the traditional age restrictions.
- Despite the speculations about his eligibility, Cardinal Schönborn falls outside the eligible pool due to church law restrictions, given that he turned 80 years old in January 2025.
