Pope can't pick a poor model The shock of pope Benedict's resignation has been swiftly replaced with the excitement that surrounds the election of Jorge Maria Bergoglio, his successor. With the passage of time, Benedict's decision to renounce the throne of Saint Peter has become more poignant. It may well be, as some have said, that his selfless move will be the crowning contribution in a long career as a pre-eminent theologian and pope. The argument that "only Nixon could go to China" is a potent one, insofar as a voluntary abdication by a true conservative makes it a more acceptable option in future.