I would remind you that (1) cardinals are bishops with only one special function - the election of a pope, so they should be viewed in the light of the world wide "college" of bishops, (2) there are a growing number of bishops (and a few cardinals) who are - relatively speaking - young for the role of a leader (just as in corporations, government, medicine, and so on).  Cardinal Blaise Cupich as well as Cardinal Tobin (of NJ) are good examples among many.  Centuries of tradition - as wrong as it may be for a modern Church - have not allowed a lay person admitted as a cardinal and that change is not on the horizon, same with women who we first need to have admitted to full clerical orders.  (3) And just what analogy would you suggest the pope use in his homily to a group of men - who have given their lives to service of the Church and of God - other than the grandfather comparisons?  I am certain +Francis knows full well that cardinals are not biological grandfathers!