Pope John Paul II was 58 when he became the Pope in 1978.
Last night I watched 60 Minutes about the Pope and his life and possible replacement. It is entirely possible that someone from Africa or Latin America could become the next Pope. When asked about the possible negative reactions Catholics could have to a Pope who is not white, Fr. Thomas Reese responded.
"Well, I mean, if somebody’s gonna lose – leave the church because we have a black pope, in my opinion, they should have left the church years ago,” says Reese.
I couldn't agree more. It wouldn't surprise me if the next Pope were a man of color. My priests have been Irish, Italian, Sri Lankan, Latino, as well as American born. The Roman Catholic Church is worldwide and diverse.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/...in685130.shtml