The oldest popes were Pope Celestine III (elected in 1191) and Celestine V (elected in 1294), who were both nearly 85. Benedict XVI was 78 when he was elected in 2005.

The oldest popes were Pope Celestine III (elected in 1191) and Celestine V (elected in 1294), who were both nearly 85. Benedict XVI was 78 when he was elected in 2005.

The oldest popes were Pope Celestine III (elected in 1191) and Celestine V (elected in 1294), who were both nearly 85. Benedict XVI was 78 when he was elected in 2005.

The oldest popes were Pope Celestine III (elected in 1191) and Celestine V (elected in 1294), who were both nearly 85. Benedict XVI was 78 when he was elected in 2005.

The oldest popes were Pope Celestine III (elected in 1191) and Celestine V (elected in 1294), who were both nearly 85. Benedict XVI was 78 when he was elected in 2005.

The oldest popes were Pope Celestine III (elected in 1191) and Celestine V (elected in 1294), who were both nearly 85. Benedict XVI was 78 when he was elected in 2005.

We have witnessed it in several popes with burning missionary zeal, like Gregory XV, who founded the Society of the Sacred Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith in 1622, and Gregory XVI, who ...

It's one of the oldest methods of electing a head of state that's still in use today, and its basic protocols have barely changed for 800 years. In order to become a pope, a candidate need only be ...

Editor's note: Click here to view the conclave schedule for Thursday, May 8. The sacred practice of naming a new pope is soon beginning as more than 130 cardinals arrive in Vatican City to ...

Other popular pope names include Clement, Innocent, Leo, and Pius. Seven of 11 popes from 1775 to 1958 were named Pius, from Pius VI (1775–1799) to Pius XII (1939–1958).