Only oldies can apply

I saw Pope Benedict’s arrival on TV on his first trip to the United States. Wearing a white robe and sash belt, he stepped out of the plane and came down the stairs with a firm step, healthy looking and spry. He took his cap off and a thick crop of white hair stirred in the wind. The next day he celebrated his 81st birthday.

65 is the retirement age, but a few of us take very important jobs in the 60s and 70s. The popes, for example. Their advanced age is a plus and provides them with the wisdom and assurance to lead milllions of believers. Take the last six popes. Benedict became pope at 78 .John Paul II was 58. John Paul I and John Paul VI were 66. Pius XII was 63, and Pope John XXIII was 77.

Advanced age is on the best resumes. Do you agree, or would you rather see a pope in his 40s at the Vatican?