Questions About Popes

[Guest jenjen3]

Just curious...do they pick a new pope before the old one dies or after? And has there ever been an American pope?

[Pio Nono]

JMJ
7/26 - Sts. Joachim and Anne

jenjen3,

Good question. The cardinals always choose a new Pope when the office of the Papacy is vacant. Commonly, the Papal office becomes vacant upon the death of the Holy Father, but five Popes in the history of the Church have chosen to resign the office. Hope this helps.

Yours,
Pio Nono