So...the Pope died

[jeepnut]

Originally Posted by The Strangler

I agree that Benedict doesn't have the gentle, grandfather like appearance of Jean Paul, but I wouldn't go so far as to call it "evil". "Severe" is probably a better term to descibe him.

As for age, I'm glad they don't take that into account when voting. I'd rather the most qualified person in the position of leading over a billion people's spiritual lives than a guy chosen for longevity. From what I've gathered, having a Pope for 10 or so years is more the norm than the exception. Jean Paul had one of the longest Papacies on record.

*Cough*John*Cough*

Anyway, it probably also expresses a desire to ease the transition from Pope John Paul II. A young choice would be more likely to make changes over a longer papacy. Not good following such a beloved Pope. Besides, there really is no telling how long his papacy will last.