Kevin Clarke : Pope Benedict XVI 's decision to resign caught papal watchers off-guard . The Vatican said the pope had decided not to seek a third term in office. But canon law allows papal resignation ; it 's tradition that popes reign till death . Benedict said a pope is obligated to resign if he ca n't handle duties . Clarke : Whoever is chosen will deal with huge challenges facing Catholic Church .
Kevin Clarke : Pope Benedict XVI 's decision to resign caught papal watchers off-guard . Clarke : But canon law allows papal resignation ; it 's tradition that popes reign till death . Benedict said a pope is obligated to resign if he ca n't handle duties . Clarke : Whoever is chosen will deal with huge challenges facing Catholic Church .