Why a woman can’t replace Pope Francis as successor soon to be announced following his death

Earlier this morning (21 April), the Vatican announced the news of Pope Francis' passing.

Vatican camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced the news today in an official statement which confirmed that, at 7.35am this morning, the Bishop of Rome 'returned to the home of the Father'.

"His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church," Farrell's statement continued. "He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalised.

"With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite, merciful love of God, One and Tribune."

Pope Francis' successor

Tributes for the late 88-year-old across the globe have since poured in, including from King Charles III and JD Vance and, now that Pope Francis' death has been confirmed and the nine days of mourning is set to commence, the church will enact a series of rituals before a successor is eventually chosen.

Now, it is not yet clear who will now be announced the next Bishop of Rome, with a voting process likely to last between 15 to 20 days in what is known as a papal conclave.

The decision will be made by the College of Cardinals - a select group of over 200 senior cardinals chosen by successive Popes - who will vote four times per day until a candidate receives a major two-thirds of the vote.

Contenders do not put themselves forward formally during a conclave and open campaigning for the role is strictly forbidden.

Pope Francis died aged 88 earlier this morning (21 April) (Franco Origlia / Contributor / Getty Images)

A woman as Pope?

Additionally, there is no age limit when it comes to the role, but only men can be the Pope - but why is this?

Well, simply put, women are barred from becoming Pope.

This is because the individual chosen for the position needs to be ordained and, similarly, women are barred from becoming priests.

Catholic Church catechism argues that such a decision is bound by the precedent which saw Jesus Christ choose 12 men to be his apostles, and they in turn chose men to continue their ministry.

Women are barred from becoming Pope (Vatican Pool / Contributor / Getty Images)

An expert take

Michele Dillon, a sociologist at the University of New Hampshire who studies Catholic culture in America, explains: "Even if the current Pope was the most feminist person you could meet and believes women should be priests, they want to be faithful to what they see as Jesus's intentions."

She explained that the reasoning behind the rule is that 'had Jesus wanted women to be priests, he would have called them to be his apostles'.

Another issue preventing women from becoming the next Pope is all to do with mass - a ceremony which involves the Catholics belief that the bread and wine become the body and blood of Jesus.

During mass, priests recite Jesus's statements from the Last Supper, when he said 'do this in remembrance of me'.

"They want that to be mimicked in the physical body of a man," Dillon added.