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John_Trappist · 04-16-2008, 11:48 PM

I am raising my glass of German lager to Pope Benedict the XVI.

Tankard · 04-17-2008, 12:31 AM

*Fighting temptation to start a flame war*

I'll just keep my trap shut

ohiobrewtus · 04-17-2008, 01:21 AM

Can anyone tell my why the Pope is always so old? Pope Benedict was just named Pope within the last couple of years if I recall correctly and he's like 81.

I'm not a religious guy, so I'm genuinely asking out of curiosity.

Professor Frink · 04-17-2008, 01:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ohiobrewtus

Can anyone tell my why the Pope is always so old? Pope Benedict was just named Pope within the last couple of years if I recall correctly and he's like 81.

I'm not a religious guy, so I'm genuinely asking out of curiosity.

He's almost dead, so he's closest to God?

Just booked that window seat on the way to hell...

enohcs · 04-17-2008, 01:33 AM

billym99 · 04-17-2008, 02:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ohiobrewtus

Can anyone tell my why the Pope is always so old? Pope Benedict was just named Pope within the last couple of years if I recall correctly and he's like 81.

I'm not a religious guy, so I'm genuinely asking out of curiosity.

Not an exact answer, but i'm sure it has a lot to do with the need to hold a very high position (cardinal) in the church just to even have a chance to be named pope. to get that high in the church a priest has certain obligations (missions, work abroad, etc.), then needs to be apointed bishop and eventually archbishop. the majority of the college of cardinals are made up of archbishops of very large dioceses...

i don't think you actually have to be a cardinal to become Pope (any unmarried catholic male has a chance), but it has been hundreds of years since a pope was named that was not in the college of cardinals.