Can the Pope Retire or Resign?

Can the Pope retire? Yes—canon law allows a free, clearly stated resignation. Learn why there is no mandatory retirement age and what Benedict XVI did in 2013.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Pope retire?

Yes. Canon 332 §2 allows the Roman Pontiff to resign if he does so freely and clearly. No one has to accept the resignation.

Does the Pope have to retire at 75?

No. The canon asking diocesan bishops to offer resignation at 75 applies to bishops of dioceses, not to the Roman Pontiff. Papal resignation is governed by canon 332 §2.

Can anyone force the Pope to resign?

Canon law requires a papal resignation to be free, so another authority cannot make the Pope’s resignation valid by coercion. The canon provides for the Pope’s own free decision.

When did a pope last resign?

Pope Benedict XVI announced his resignation on February 11, 2013, effective February 28, 2013. He said declining strength made him unable to fulfill the ministry adequately.