I'm not aware of earlier comments, but I'd think having a man as Pope who wasn't perfect as a young man, but who found his way to God...would be wonderful and should be a source of great hope for everyone.
A certain Apostle comes to mind, denied Christ on several occasions, had a temper,etc...his name escapes me at the moment;)
See, I like that about him. I worry about those who won't accept any taint in his past. Whatever he did, and I don't think it was very much, he did before he took his vows.