Why is the Catholic priesthood male-only? Why can't cardinals over the age of 80 elect a new pope? What are the rules governing the celebration of Mass? And can a priest absolve his own sins? Indeed, the many rules Catholic priests have to follow are surprising and very strict. There are also several precise requirements to meet before becoming a priest in the first place. But what exactly are the ecclesiastical regulations governing the role of a priest, and what does it take to become a man of the cloth?
Click through and find out more about the demands of the job.