How old is the average pope?
How old is the average pope?
The average age of the pope (at the time of death or resignation) was 77.6 in the 18th century, 76.7 in the 19th century, 78.4 in the 20th century, and 84.5 so far the 21st century (albeit, with just two datapoints).
How old was the oldest pope to die?
93 years, 4 months
On 4 September 2020, Benedict XVI became the longest-lived person to have held the office of pope, at 93 years, 4 months, 16 days, surpassing Leo XIII, who died in 1903.
Ages of popes
| Date range | Average age | |
|---|---|---|
| At election | At death | |
| 1503 to 1700 | 63 | 70 |
| 1700 to 2005 | 65 | 78 |
| 1503 to 2005 | 64 | 74 |
How long does a pope live?
The papal post is traditionally held until death, though Francis’s predecessor Pope Benedict XVI resigned in 2013 after roughly seven years in office, becoming the first pope to step down in nearly 600 years.
Who is the youngest pope in the world?
Pope Benedict IX
Did lightning strike the Vatican?
Pope Benedict has shocked a billion Roman Catholics around the world, and his closest advisers, by announcing that he will resign at the end of this month. Within hours of Pope Benedict announcing his resignation, lightning struck St Peter’s Basilica.
Why did the pope resign 2021?
In a letter to the Pope dated 21 May – which was later published – the German Cardinal explained the reasons for his gesture. He said he had asked the Pope to step down from the leadership of the German diocese because of the abuse scandal in Germany and the response of the episcopate, which he considered insufficient.
How did the last pope die?
In his final years, he was forced to delegate many of his official duties, but still found the strength to speak to the faithful from a window at the Vatican. In February 2005, the pope was hospitalized with complications from the flu. He died two months later.
How old was Pope Francis when he became a priest?
Becoming Pope On March 13, 2013, at the age of 76, Bergoglio was named the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church — becoming the first citizen from the Americas, the first non-European and first Jesuit priest to be named pope, and adopting the name Pope Francis (he took the title after St. Francis of Assisi of Italy).