Quote Originally Posted by Steely Glint View Post
Wouldn't the runner up from last time be long dead in normal circumstances?
Not always, JPII's papacy was very long compared to his predecessors'. Even if you take out John Paul I who didn't even make it past a year. What is more likely is that they are no longer allowed to be in the conclave again because cardinals over 80 can't participate.

Makes you wonder if Benedict had taken it into account when he resigned; if he'd waited a few more years Francis would have been locked out.