Worshippers at Brentwood Cathedral are being invited to express their interest in becoming the next Pope.
A sign has appeared on a window at the building in Ingrave Road which reads: Wanted 1 x Pope Apply Within
The tongue in cheek advert was put up following the surprise announcement on Monday that Pope Benedict XVI will be resigning at the end of this month on health grounds.
German-born Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, now 85,was appointed pontiff in 2005 following the death of John Paul II.
He is the first Pope to stand down since Gregory XII in 1415.
The Vatican says the next Pope will be appointed by Easter.
In theory, any baptised male Catholic can become the pontiff, although Benedict XVI's successor will almost certainly come from within the ranks of the church's College of Cardinals.
The Bishop of Brentwood, The Right Rev Thomas McMahon told the Gazette he was surprised to hear of the Pope's decision to resign.
The bishop, 76, added: "I would ask all people of faith to keep Pope Benedict in their prayers at this important time."
