[lilylangtree]

This new pope is 78. He'll probably stay pope for 10 years until he dies. I'm wondering why a younger pope couldn't have been found to rule a longer time, say a pope in his 50s who probably could rule about 30 years.

[Penfold]

A similar thought crossed my mind...

Maybe they didn't want someone who become as big as the jobs as it were... e.g. stepping into JPII's shoes is a pretty tough task because the guy'd been around so long...

Maybe they think a 10 year term is sufficient?

[Hildy]

I'm wondering why a younger pope couldn't have been found to rule a longer time, say a pope in his 50s who probably could rule about 30 years.

I heard an explanation for this on Fox news several weeks ago. It was said that after a long-reigning Pope, sometimes they'll go for someone old who they know won't be around for a long time and this gives them a chance to really search for someone who will be Pope for a long time. I'm just reporting.

[Getsmart64]

Is this the guy that was rumored to have been picked by John Paul before he died?

[pistolpackinannie]

While it is true that a new Pope is elected by the Cardinals of the Church let us not forget that it is The Holy Spirit that guides them, The Holy Spirit is the reason Cardinal Ratzinger is now the new pontiff. All I can say is THANK YOU HOLY SPIRIT!!!