> So the Pope is in Toronto for a few days, officiating at the World Youth Days. Which, of course, has led to a number of debates my friends and I about all things papal.
>
> However, since I don't know a whole lot about the subject (never a good position to be in in a debate), I thought I'd inquire of you folks.
>
> How does one become elected pope?

All of the cardinals get together in Rome and get locked into a big room. Then they argue about who should be pope, for months sometimes, and are only allowed out when they all agree.

> And it's a lifetime thing? So, is there any reason a pope would abdicate?

Maybe if he stopped believing, or wanted to get married, I suppose.

> Could he even do that?

I don't see why it would be impossible, but I can't think of any precidents.

> Could he be forced out? What type of reasons would there be for that?

Again, I can't think of any precidents, though several popes have been assassinated by their cardinals. Probably not recently, though.

> Would having a younger pope make any sort of difference in terms of his ability to fufill the role?

Probably not. After all, infallibility is infallibility, whatever age you are. And it's not like the job is physically demanding.

> What is this history of the position? Is there any biblical background? What is the exact "job description"?

Someone's already answered this fairly accuratly, so I won't bother re-hashing.

> Thanks
>
> Maz"And what was the name of the one with the pet elephant?"er31

winter"Elephant?"mute