I've seen this before, but saw it again recently on ozguru.
Interesting Year 1981
1. Prince Charles got married
2. Liverpool crowned soccer Champions of Europe
3. Australia lost the Ashes tournament.
4. Pope Died
Interesting Year 2005
1. Prince Charles got married
2. Liverpool crowned soccer Champions of Europe
3. Australia lost the Ashes tournament
4. Pope Died
Lesson to be learned: The next time Charles gets married, someone should definitely warn the Pope Aussie Cricket Team.
Aurelius
Given that John Paul II reigned from 1978 till 2005, I'd be fascinated to know which pope died in 1981.
kazza
Ah I should have read the comments first. Apparently he was shot in 1981 but didn't die. Oh well.
http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/trivia/1981.asp