Well, up till JPII changed the rules, the qualification for election was being a baptised Catholic, so, in theory, a woman could have been elected, but certainly several deacons were, with ordination to priesthood/bishop fairly immediate.
Now, they have to be an ordained cleric, so at least 25 as pointed out earlier.
Also, why is the Pope Bishop of Rome if bishop is a lower rank than cardinal? Was it the highest position in the hierarchy when the Catholic Church was small, similar to how some military branches have been led by officers below the rank of general or admiral due to being too small to have higher ranks?
Isn't there kind of the implication that the Pope would have to be a Catholic male, since the Pope is the Bishop of Rome, and only males can be priests, bishops, cardinals, etc.?
Also, why is the Pope Bishop of Rome if bishop is a lower rank than cardinal? Was it the highest position in the hierarchy when the Catholic Church was small, similar to how some military branches have been led by officers below the rank of general or admiral due to being too small to have higher ranks?