I'm not Catholic, I don't take any offense to this stuff. I'm inclined to religious humor most of the time anyway, cus I figure, God has to have a marvellous sense of humor. =D
Now, to answer your question...
Catholicism is based on tradition (traditionally =P). Not only to uphold tradition, but to interpret, and enforce the teachings, and words of the bible, and God. To follow the line up, Bishop, Arch-Bishop, Cardinal... that takes a long time. Ratzinger (Benedict XVI) was made Cardinal in 1977, at the age of 50. At which point he would have to not only prove himself as a Cardinal, but also as a leader, for they won't elect a Pope that has no foriegn relation skills. He is a scholar of biblical studies, as well as Church law. That's not something you'll really learn in a short time.
Also, the pontiff is elected for life. That means there are only two ways to leave the position. Death or resignation. If you elect a guy that is in his 50's, he may live another 50+ years. In this scenerio, the person may lose their humble servitude, and push a more selfish agenda, not looking for the best position of the church but for themselves. John Paul II had an extraordinary long reign at 26 years, when the pope before him John Paul I had a reign of only 6 months (I believe). It's not exactly a position that should be left to the young, for it is a position that has to guide 1.1 billion people. In a perfect world, the turn around ratio should be fairly quick (15 - 20 years max) in order to keep the church from stagnating in a rut of one persons desires.
Now, to answer your question...
Catholicism is based on tradition (traditionally =P). Not only to uphold tradition, but to interpret, and enforce the teachings, and words of the bible, and God. To follow the line up, Bishop, Arch-Bishop, Cardinal... that takes a long time. Ratzinger (Benedict XVI) was made Cardinal in 1977, at the age of 50. At which point he would have to not only prove himself as a Cardinal, but also as a leader, for they won't elect a Pope that has no foriegn relation skills. He is a scholar of biblical studies, as well as Church law. That's not something you'll really learn in a short time.
Also, the pontiff is elected for life. That means there are only two ways to leave the position. Death or resignation. If you elect a guy that is in his 50's, he may live another 50+ years. In this scenerio, the person may lose their humble servitude, and push a more selfish agenda, not looking for the best position of the church but for themselves. John Paul II had an extraordinary long reign at 26 years, when the pope before him John Paul I had a reign of only 6 months (I believe). It's not exactly a position that should be left to the young, for it is a position that has to guide 1.1 billion people. In a perfect world, the turn around ratio should be fairly quick (15 - 20 years max) in order to keep the church from stagnating in a rut of one persons desires.
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