Why did the Catholic church pick someone so old to be pope?

Question

The last one died because he was so old so why didn't they pick someone abit younger with less chance of dying so soon? They'll just end up having to pick someone else in a couple of years again! I know it's a weird question but it just popped into my head!!

Age does not always necessarily mean wisdom. I know a lot of older people that are still as dumb as they were when they were younger.

Answer 1

Nothing about Catholism makes sense, dear.

Answer 2

Part of it is political. Pope John Paul II was predicted to die a little younger than he did. This pope was chosen for two reasons. He is much more Conservative than the last one, so the church will have time to reflect on all the changes John Paul II the second did. The second one was his age. A pope can only be replaced if he dies, so everyone in the Vatican wants to pick an older pope so he will only be in power for about 3 to 10 years.

Answer 3

i've got not heard the term 'old Catholic Church" yet i'm guessing you're talking approximately communities that don't settle for the ameliorations made for the time of the Vatican II council interior the Nineteen Sixties. Pre-Vatican II communities proceed to accomplish the mass in Latin, stress the centrality of the priest as middleman between people and God, and don't enable laymen to drink the wine for the time of communion, basically as some examples.

Answer 4

Many suggest that the selecton of this Pope was a political move in defference to the knowledge tat the next Pope will be from Latin America or Africa.

The expectation is that he will not last more than a year or three.

Answer 5

The last one wasn't old when he was elected Pope! He just got old with the job. But they say wisdom comes with age so I see no problem with picking an old cardinal to be Pope.

Answer 6

It's not fair! I think we should employ a pope on the basis of equal opps! ie no discrmination on account of age, gender, race,religion or sexual orientation. They should be entitled to the minimum wage, with annual paid leave of four weeks, creche facilities and a generous non-contributary pension scheme. They should however be liable to death duties, which would include the value of the art treasures in the Vatican, but tax exemptions for 'papal encyclicals' which are obviously eco-friendly forms of transport.

Answer 7

First, the last Pope, Pope John Paul II was one of the youngest Popes in history! It is why his term lasted for approx 26 years!

Pope Benedict VXI is a very intellectual, kind and holy man. He was in service to the last Pope for nearly 25 years and actually put his name in for retirement. God had other plans and allowed the cardinals to choose him to lead for the rest of his life. He submitted to God's will, and will serve the others Bishops, cardinals, priest and people for the rest of his life without stopping.

That is giving your entire life to Christ.

Answer 8

The reason Cardinal Ratzinger was chosen to be Pope Benedict XVI is that he was the best and most qualified to become the next Pope,after Pope John Paul II Who are we to say that he may not live to be in his 90 ties ?

Answer 9

Experience.

Answer 10

I think the logic is to have someone who has demonstrated a high level of faithfulness to church doctrines and service. Not that it is perfect, but I do think that is a big part of it.
Charles "That Cheeky Lad"

Answer 11

He was the Pope for over 20 years, I'm not even Catholic and I know that