http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=16034801&postcount=4
The above is from another Pope thread.
Let’s be real: no one in the hiring pool was going to be anything less than super-reactionary on both of those issues.
So, they elect a 78 year old and less than a decade later, he has to quit for health reasons.
So, they elect a 76 year old.
It’s not like any of them are too young to remember the USSR in the 80s so what’s with that?
Is it Francis I or just Francis?
My understanding is that Popes who are the first to use a particular regnal name are NOT known as Pope … I (John Paul I being an exception).
Zev Steinhardt
Sweet. Pope Frank. 
people that love him are frankophiles.
From Wikipedia (already a page for him. Wow):
Ummm…can we RSVP to that?
Duck and I were watching NBC’s coverage and he noticed that the cat was intently watching the TV screen. He looked at her and said “Are you Catholic, Gracie?” I looked at him and said, “No she’s Cat O’Lick!”
Rimshot, please…
“We”? Speak for yourself. I don’t acknowledge any pope.
Where are you getting that information? The wiki page on the Archdiocese of Buenos Aires has Bergoglia listed as the most recent archbishop, in place since 1998.
No, that would be a fine name for a Mexican pope. Maybe next time…
He already has a wikipediapage AS POPE.
A 76 year old with only one lung taking the most stressful job in the world.
Is it too soon to start a new “Pick a new Pope” thread?
Is it possible that he submitted his retirement papers at 75 (which, I believe, is when all bishops are required to submit them) but that the Pope allowed him to remain in office?
Zev Steinhardt
Don’t count out anyone on account of their age. John XXIII was 82 when he got the job and HE got Vatican II going!
I like his red hoodie.
True dat, everyone around was surprised that he was strong enough to face down the Curia as nobody else has done since.
I like the way they have a section in the article for his “Pre-papal career”. You know, as opposed to his Papal career that’s lasted the better part of an afternoon.
Cool - thanks, Duckster.