When Does a Pope Become Pope?
When Does a Pope Become Pope? Tuesday April 24, 2007 While Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger was elected pope on April 19, 2005, his inaugural Mass, at which he was consecrated Pope Benedict XVI, was not held until the following Sunday, April 24. But was he pope between April 19 and April 24? Surprisingly, the Church has answered that question in different ways throughout history. Up until the 13th century, consecration was considered to be the start of a pope’s reign; after the 13th century, the date of election took precedence. Technically, the date of election is still considered the official date today. One poor man, however, was purged from the list of popes in 1961, because he had died between his election and his consecration. Do you know what year he was elected and what name he was known by when he was considered a pope? Put your answer in the comments
