Kevin Clarke : Pope Benedict XVI 's decision to resign caught papal watchers off - guard . Clarke : Yes , a pope could resign , Benedict said . But canon law allows papal resignation ; it 's tradition that popes reign till death . Benedict said a pope is allowed to resign if he ca n't handle it . Clarke : Whoever is chosen will deal with huge challenges to 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 allowed to resign if he ca n't handle it . Clarke : Whoever is chosen will deal with huge challenges to Catholic Church .