The Pope

[Darwinian]

What is wrong with the Pope? The last one was the same as well. They all seem to look so distant, confused and vacant as if they are remote controlled somehow and not really human at all. I can't be the only one to notice this

I mean I know they're all getting on a bit and this pope is in his 80's but then so is David Attenborough and he's as bright and alert as any of us.

Do you think that this is part of the selection process? The more doddery, malleable and suggestible they are the more likely they are to become the Bishop of Rome?

Does the real power lie elsewhere and have I been reading too much Dan Brown?!?

[tackattack]

conspiracy much?

[Tiberius]

David Attenborough isn't forced to tell lies in order to preserve a faulty standard of ethics on a daily basis.

Also, David Attenborough hasn't had to cover up numerous scandals...

[Minimalist]

What is wrong with the Pope?

Probably daydreaming about the good old days in the Hitler Youth.

[Rev. Rye]

What is wrong with the Pope? The last one was the same as well. They all seem to look so distant, confused and vacant as if they are remote controlled somehow and not really human at all. I can't be the only one to notice this

I mean I know they're all getting on a bit and this pope is in his 80's but then so is David Attenborough and he's as bright and alert as any of us.

Do you think that this is part of the selection process? The more doddery, malleable and suggestible they are the more likely they are to become the Bishop of Rome?

Does the real power lie elsewhere and have I been reading too much Dan Brown?!?

On the other hand, when John Paul was elected, he was the youngest Pope in over a century.
Of course, if you're really looking for Gerontocracy in religion, look at the Fucking Mormons. The twelve last (of sixteen total) President-prophets, including the last nine, were over seventy when they were elected.

[Minimalist]

I recall a story told by our guide in Venice. It seems that when the Venetian Republic elected a doge they tended to choose an old man on the theory that if he turned out to be an asshole at least he wouldn't be around long.

The idea has some merit.

[downbeatplumb]

Have you been anywhere the burn inscence, it acts a bit like cannabis and this dude is around it all the time.
Hes just stoned thats all.

[Oldandeasilyconfused]

Have you been anywhere the burn inscence, it acts a bit like cannabis and this dude is around it all the time.
Hes just stoned thats all.

'Stoned? In my day we called it 'senile' in that context

[Edwardo Piet]

The Pope is the head of the nonsense that is Catholicism, and he also has a lot of power and power is known to corrupt... perhaps that's something to do with it.

EvF

[Dotard]

What is wrong with the Pope? The last one was the same as well. They all seem to look so distant, confused and vacant as if they are remote controlled somehow and not really human at all.

Robo-pope?