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dogscoff said:
Big question is, how long before we get a *female* pope?
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Probably not for a long time. Papal succession is determined by high-ranking, old clergy. I believe the requirement is being a cardinal and over the age of 60, someone here probably knows the exact age. Currently, the Church says that only males can be clergy, so we would have to wait for that restriction to be lifted first. Then it would probably take a century or two for a female to rise to cardinal, and thus have the possibility of a vote in selecting a new pope. Although I guess it may be possible for a female to be selected to lead the Church by a bunch of celibate males...
Kind of along that note, I believe it is *possible* to select a lay person to be a pope, but highly unlikely. In that case, to get a lay female pope would need to overcome opposition from those who want a cardinal, AND those who want to keep it males-only.
Anyway, back on-topic, he seems to have led a good and fulfilling life, and that's all that can be asked.