Though it's scary to agree with this Pope so often...this one isn't his quote...

[Drahthaardogs]

167. Okay, two things going on here.

First, understand what the Magesterium is. That is sacred tradition and sacred law. There ARE some Canon laws that a Pope could change, but not all. Those pertaining to the Magesterium, he cannot.

Anyway, two things going on here

Could the current Canon law requiring cardinals be ordained priests ignored or changed by the Pope? Yes, probably so, especially since there is historical precedent of them NOT all being ordained. Although uncommon, it is was not unheard.

However, the second point, could a woman be a Cardinal? Probably not as this is most likely Sacred Tradition. See below:

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that only men can receive holy orders because Jesus chose men as his apostles and the "apostles did the same when they chose collaborators to succeed them in their ministry." Blessed John Paul II wrote in 1994 that this teaching is definitive and not open to debate among Catholics.

So, we know at least priests being male IS considered Sacred Tradition, thus of the Magesterium, thus No, the Pope could NOT ordain a woman a priest, even if he wanted to. This is why the meme repeated over and over here about Francis NOT ordaining women is a mute point. He CANNOT do it. He lacks the authority.

Now, could he make a woman a Cardinal? Maybe. But that is open for at least some argument, and before it could happen, Canon Law 351 would have to be changed THEN Pope Francis would have to break with tradition AND it would have to be ruled that male Cardinals are NOT sacred tradition.

Does that makes sense? That is why I keep saying if you do not understand the terms it is hard to fully understand what is going on.

Just like the use of the word "ordinary". Ordinary has real significant meaning in Catholicism. Ordinary Time vs. Advent or Easter, etc.