Patriarchs and popes, like emperors and pharaohs, have a numeral sequence to indicate the
historic period of their reign or when they entered their Holy See. This is the reason behind this
article’s title.
To some extent, it is not morally appropriate to assume the vacancy of the
position to propose conditions for the new election, while the person in charge is still alive,
especially, in the Coptic Orthodox Church. It is illegal to substitute this person even in case of
serious sickness or any other incapacity, except in case of death. Also as the election rules are
not suitable for all times, it has led to improvisational amendments whenever the need arises. Is
it possible to establish broad principles that surpass the particularity of time that politicians,
clergymen, thinkers and socialists all take part in formulating?
The religious institution
is not only to deal with sectarian affairs but also to encourage its people to be spiritual people
who have the ability to deal with everything. No one can ignore the sectarian clashes and
conflicts which have changed the course of history. This is the role of the pope no.
118.
The author believes that the individual elected to this position should not be a monk
because of the difference in the two lifestyles except in case that conditions, which prevent
individual domination and allow collective leadership, are put. There should be specialized
advisory committees in all fields of knowledge and they are to be the decision makers in the
church. The Church Canon should also be in line with civil laws to prevent the inconsistency of
different laws.
In the light of the constitutional provisions which state the principle of
citizenship, the religious leader should not be a leader of a denomination and there should not be
a community council because this name contradicts the meaning of citizenship. All this is for the
new pope to start in a healthy climate without confusion between politics and religion.
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