I think that was the "issue" with John Paul II. He was only 58 when he became pope. He was considered too young and his leadership lasted 28 years. Which was a wild swing from the Pope before him, John Paul I, whom only lasted 1 month before he died at 65. At that time, they, the church, wanted to go younger due to the potential health issues in seniors.
However, they overcorrected. There was now a generation of catholics that went from babies to adults under JPII's tenure. He became the "Church" more than the church itself and it messed with a lot of people when he died. Like a family member had passed away. Sorta like what happened with FDR & why the US reinforced the 2 term rule for future Presidents after his death in office. The church wanted to go older with Popes going forward so that people wouldn't form so tight of an attachment to the "figure head" & his mandates.
Yet once again; it seems that they've over corrected. I want to say this will be the 3rd pope in 20 years. Which is a bit of a shock for people that pretty much went most of their life under one guy (pause). Even though the previous Pope quit. He would've had a 17 year run had he seen it through to 2022 when he died. I guess that's the risk of having a "for life title". You never know when that exit day is going to happen.
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Co-worker said the same thing, we will know the truth when the new Pope is elected and how he moves forward. Would be crazy that a MAGA thinking Pope would get chosen.
