Pontificate of Benedict XVI already exceeds average length

July 25, 2012

Elected in April 2005 when he was 78, Pope Benedict XVI was generally expected to have a short reign. But his pontificate has now lasted longer than the average for all the Pontiffs in recorded history.

Now 85, Pope Benedict is the 6th-oldest Pope in history. By January of next year he would jump to 4th on that list. But he would remain well short of the longevity of Popes Clement X, Clement XII, and Leo XIII; all died at the age of 93.

 

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Further information:

• Benedict XVI surpasses the 'average number of years' Pontiffs usually serve (Rome Reports)
• Pope Benedict XVI (#266) Goes ‘Above Average’ (Popes and the Papacy)