They 'can' so long as the pot is big enough but they much prefer to be in the ground. Remember when planting to plant at the same depth that they are right now.

Many thanks

yes they can. if you think about it you buy them in a pot :o)
they need a big pot and feeding after flowering. I had one in a large ornamental pot for 6 years before I had a garden to put it in.

I'd add that you don't use a pot with a belly (or not one that is fatter round the middle than it is at the top) only because you will need a big pot and it will be a shame to have to break it to get the rootball out when the rose eventually needs to be potted on.