Who is next in line if the pope steps down or worse?
Would it be his sec. of state?
Three popes?
There is no next in line for the papacy; hence, people were shocked when Bergoglio (Francis) was selected; he had been in the running when Ratzinger (Benedict XVI) was selected, but most thought he was too old and on the way out. Bergoglio was “only” an archbishop of Buenos Aires. Likewise Wojtyla (John Paul II) was “only” an archbishop of Gdansk.
If you want to be afraid of someone becoming pope, look to the anti-free-market Maradiago of Honduras. Not that he’s considered one of the favorites.
FYI: Sec of state is 2nd behind Pope in the curia, but while there is no Pope, the Dean of the College of Cardinals handles things. Coincidentally, that’s a retired Secretary of State, Angelo Sodano.
That I don’t know. However, I think, given the chance, there are millions of qualified bishops to serve on an interim basis. Most would consider it the honor of their lifetimes.
These honorable men must be separated from those who would want to serve in this capacity mainly for the ego boost or material gains at their disposal.