Know Who Holds The Second Highest Spiritual Position In Catholic Christianity After The Pope

Pope Francis was the world's greatest spiritual leader in Catholic Christianity. After his passing, Catholic followers around the world are mourning his loss.

Know Who Holds The Second Highest Spiritual Position In Catholic Christianity After The Pope

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Pope Francis: Catholic leader Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88. According to the Vatican, he took his last breath on the morning of April 21. He was the first Latin Pope in history. Following the news of Pope Francis's death, Catholic followers around the world are in mourning.

Let's explore how one becomes the Pope, who holds the second highest spiritual position in Catholic Christianity after the Pope, and more.

Who Is Called The 'Pope'?

After Jesus, the highest position in Christianity or Roman Catholicism is called the Pope. The term "Pope" means "Father," which is why he is also referred to as the Holy Father. The Pope is not only the head of Vatican City but is also regarded as the supreme leader of Catholics worldwide.

Catholic Christians consider the Pope to be the highest authority on Earth for Christianity. In this religious hierarchy, each priest has a superior priest above them, but the Pope stands above all. The Pope is required to observe celibacy for life and is not permitted to marry.

How Does One Become The Pope?

Any Catholic who has been baptised can become the Pope. Baptism is a Christian sacrament, a religious tradition involving water, through which a person is accepted as a member of the Church.

To become the Pope, a Cardinal needs two-thirds of the votes from all the Cardinals worldwide. After a secret ballot, the votes are counted. Following the vote, a special type of chemical is thrown into a furnace. The smoke from the furnace chimney is either black or white. If black smoke emerges, it indicates that the election process is incomplete. However, if white smoke appears, it signifies that a new Pope has been elected.

Who Is The Second Highest Spiritual Leader In Catholic Christianity?

In Catholic Christianity, the Pope is the highest spiritual leader. After the Pope, the second highest spiritual leaders are the Cardinals of Rome, who serve as the Pope's advisors and successors. They provide counsel and carry out the Pope's duties in his absence.

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