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Trend of older pontiffs continues with Pope Francis I, 76

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The papacy now has another septuagenarian.

Jorge Mario Bergoglio, 76, an Argentine, was selected Wednesday to head the Roman Catholic Church, an opening that arose when his predecessor, 85-year-old Pope Benedict XVI, stepped down from the demanding post, citing frailty.

Benedict’s move was a aberrant one, historically speaking. No pope had stepped down from the lifelong position in almost 600 years.

FULL COVERAGE: Election of a pope

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Benedict was elected in 2005 at the age of 78 to succeed Pope John Paul II, which was seen as a move that continued the conservative bent of John Paul’s reign.

John Paul, however, was only 58 when he was selected in 1978, which was young.

A study showed that from 1600 to 1900, the average age of popes at election was 65.5; from 1200 to 1599, the average age was 60.

PHOTOS: Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio elected pope

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Between 1200 and 1900, however, terms started to stretch longer as people lived longer, and the average papal terms from 1600 to 1900 averaged more than a decade, doubling the old average of 6 1/2 years.

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Full coverage: Election of a pope

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Name chosen by new pope will send a message

Cardinal Bergoglio of Argentine becomes Pope Francis I

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