David Perry : Pope Celestine V , from 1296 , and Pope Benedict XVI both resigned . He says Benedict likely took to example of Celestine , who codified pope 's right to resign . Does Celestine 's reference to ` ` hundreds '' of people find echo in Benedict 's resignation letter ? For this reason , and well aware of the seriousness of this act , with full freedom Perry : Some guess pope is fleeing scandal - plagued church ; others say he seeks asylum .
David Perry : Pope Celestine V , from 1296 , and Pope Benedict XVI both resigned . He says Benedict likely took to example of Celestine , who codified pope 's right to resign . Does Celestine 's reference to ` ` hundreds '' of people find echo in Benedict 's resignation letter ? Perry : Some guess pope is fleeing scandal - plagued church ; others say he seeks asylum .