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Question
Ave Maria!
If the Pope is the leader of the church why is he not always saintified? I always thaught that the Pope was elected because he was a saintly person according to the Cardinals.
Henrik,
Thanks for your question. You're correct in that the Pope is elected because he is chosen by a group of Cardinals. But not all, nor even most, are also designated as Saints.
To learn how saints are chosen, go to http://www.catholic.org/saints/faq.php
It's my personal hope that Pope John Paul II will be chosen as a saint soon. Thanks for your question.
God bless,
Charlie
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Answers by Expert:
Charlie B
Expertise
I can answer questions like, "Help me reconcile the Catholic Church to Protestant religions" or "Help me understand some of the staunch, unbendable rules that the Vatican asks Catholics to keep" or "How must the Church reconcile other religions or religious beliefs" and more...
Experience
Raised Protestant; converted to Catholicism in 1995 (one of the best things that I've ever done for myself); Eucharistic Minister; Lector Leader for our parish; resource-hound; interested in kind yet thoughtful answers to those with questions.
Organizations
Board of Directors, North Carolina Right to Life
Education/Credentials
BS in Engineering from West Point
; Professional employed and self-employed; father of four children and married to the same woman for 25 years!
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