Has the Coptic Church always used the same procedure/process to select its pope?

By CopticBot.ai (Coptic Space Inc.) · Last reviewed 2026-10-10

No, the Coptic Church has not always used the same procedure. While the core spiritual requirement—that the candidate be a monk of deep piety and Orthodox faith—has remained constant, the selection process (the mechanism of choice) has evolved significantly over 2,000 years to adapt to the political and social realities of the eras.

1. The Apostolic and Early Era (Election by Clergy and People)

In the first few centuries, the Pope was typically chosen by the clergy of Alexandria (priests and deacons) with the consensus of the people.

• The Dying Wish: Often, a dying Pope would suggest a successor. For instance, St. Alexander I (19th) designated St. Athanasius (20th) as his successor.
• Democratic Spirit: The early process was highly localized to the city of Alexandria. The bishops of nearby dioceses would then gather to consecrate the elect.

2. The Monastic Shift (4th Century Onward)

Following the rise of monasticism with St. Anthony the Great, the Church began to favor selecting "The Desert Fathers" for the Papacy. The process became more rigorous:

• Search Committees: Bishops and prominent lay leaders would travel to the monasteries (specifically Scetis or the monasteries of St. Anthony and St. Paul) to search for a monk who fled from the honor.
• Forceful Selection: It was very common for the chosen monk to refuse the "heavy burden" of the Papacy. Historical records show many Popes were brought to Alexandria in chains or under guard to be consecrated because they repeatedly tried to escape the appointment.

3. The Altar Lot

The Altar Lot (Heikal Lot) is perhaps the most famous Coptic tradition, designed to leave the final choice to God. While not used in every single election, it became the standard for resolving disputes between multiple qualified candidates.

• Mechanism: The names of three finalists (chosen by election/consensus) are placed on the altar during a Divine Liturgy. A fourth paper is often included that says "Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd," indicating that if it is drawn, none of the candidates are suitable.
• Divine Intervention: A young child (representing angelic innocence) is blindfolded and draws one paper.
• Notable Examples: This process was used for St. Cyril VI (116th), Pope Shenouda III (117th), and Pope Tawadros II (118th).

4. Periods of Imperial and Governing Interference

There were times when the selection process was compromised by external forces:

• Melkite Intruders: After the Council of Chalcedon (451 AD), the Byzantine Emperor often simply appointed a "Patriarch" by imperial decree without any church election. These were not recognized by the Coptic faithful.
• The Islamic Era: During the Middle Ages, particularly under the Mamluks and Ottomans, the secular "Lay Notables" (Coptic officials in the government) often had a significant hand in nominating candidates, sometimes resulting in internal rivalries between the notables of Old Cairo and Cairo.
• The "Musical Patriarchs" (1261–1271): There was a rare and turbulent decade when internal rivalry and external government interference led to the deposition and reinstatement of Popes John VII and Gabriel III.

5. The Modern Bylaws (1957 Bylaws)

Today, the process is governed by specific bylaws established in 1957.

1. Nominations: Candidates must be monks at least 40 years old and have spent at least 15 years in a monastery.
2. The Nominations Committee: A committee of bishops and laymen vets the candidates.
3. General Election: A large body of voters (including all bishops, heads of monasteries, Coptic members of parliament, and diocesan representatives) casts ballots to narrow the field to three.
4. The Altar Lot: The final three names go to the Altar Lot to ensure the selection is by Divine Will, not just human voting.

While the technical method changed from simple clerical consensus to complex democratic elections followed by the Altar Lot, the theological goal has always been the same: to find a "True Shepherd" who will guard the Orthodox Faith and the traditions of the Church of Alexandria.