Where can I find information on the pope's power for appointing the clergy?

Answer 1

Start with the Bible:

Jesus said to him in reply, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." (Matthew 16:17-19)

The Catholic Church believes the Lord made Simon alone, whom he named Peter, the "rock" of his Church. He gave him the keys of his Church and instituted him shepherd of the whole flock.

Continue with the Catechism of the Catholic Church, sections 880 and following: http://www.usccb.org/catechism/text/pt1sect2chpt3art9p4.htm#880

With love in Christ.

Answer 2

--Is Catholic--

I assume you mean in the legal sense, not simply the theological sense.

For this I am going to refer you to Canon Law

Here is the pertinent text that governs the Pope's power to appoint clergy.

http://www.ourladyswarriors.org/canon/c0840-1165.htm#par2066

It should be noted that the Pope's actions are not necessarily governed by Canon Law. The Pope has the ability to change, modify, add, revoke Canon Law at his sole discretion. What governess the action of the Pope is the will of God as laid down in scripture and tradition and as experienced and lived out in the Church, yesterday, today, and tomorrow. There is a clear framework for that, but it is quite lengthy to develop. I suggest you buy the book The Christian Faith in the Doctrinal Documents of the Catholic Church by Dupuis if you want that sort of information.

Answer 3

If only the pope can appoint clergy, it would seem that all other christian "ministers" of the gospel are out of the will of God. I don't believe that is found in the Bible. The Bible also declares a shepherd of the flock "pastor" should be the husband of one wife. I'm not sure where the basis for all pastors, ministers being celibate is found.