The title of abbot came into fairly general use in western monastic orders whose members include priests.

Do abbots have to be priests?

An abbot is elected by the chapter of the monastery in secret ballot. He must be at least 30 years old, of legitimate birth, professed at least 10 years, and an ordained priest. He is elected for life except in the English congregation, where he is elected for a term of 8–12 years.

What is the difference between a priest and an abbot?

As nouns the difference between abbot and priest

is that abbot is the superior or head of an abbey or monastery while priest is a religious clergyman who is trained to perform services or sacrifices at a church or temple.