Benedict XVI becomes 6th-oldest Pontiff

February 29, 2012

Today--February 29, 2012--Pope Benedict XVI became the 6th-oldest Roman Pontiff in recorded history.

Rome Reports, which took note of the landmark, observed that Benedict XVI—at 84 years, 10 months, 2 weeks, and 1 day—has just surpassed the age attained by his predecessor, Bl. John Paul II.

The oldest Pontiff in recorded history was Leo XIII, who died at the age of 93. However, the available records only date back to 1400, since before that time there are no reliable sources to verify the ages of Pontiffs.

 

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Further information:

• Benedict XVI becomes the sixth oldest pope in history (Rome Reports)