Celestine II
Celestine II, born Guido di Castello, served as Pope for a brief period of five months and thirteen days in 1143-1144. His pontificate was marked by a significant shift in papal policy, opposing his predecessor's concessions to Roger II of Sicily and favoring the Plantagenet claim to the English throne. A key act of his papacy was the lifting of an interdict on France after resolving a dispute over the archbishopric of Bourges.
Key Facts
- ›Born Guido DI Castello, possibly in Città DI Castello or Macerata.
- ›Studied under Pierre Abélard and became a master in the schools.
- ›Served as a subdeacon and scriptor apostolicus under Pope Callixtus II.
- ›Created Cardinal-Deacon of Santa Maria in Via Lata by Pope Honorius II in 1127.
- ›Promoted to Cardinal-Priest of San Marco by Pope Innocent II in December 1133.
- ›Elected pope on September 25, 1143, taking the name Celestine II.
Guido di Castello
- Opposed Innocent Ii's Concessions To Roger Ii of Sicily.
- Refused To Renew Legatine Authority For Henry of Blois, Brother of King Stephen of England.
- Favored the Templars and Hospitallers.
- Lifted the Interdict On France After Resolving the Dispute Over the Archbishopric of Bourges.
Pierre AbéLard, Pope Callixtus Ii, Pope Honorius Ii, Pope Innocent Ii, Roger Ii of Sicily, King Stephen of England, Henry of Blois, Louis Vii of France, Pierre De La Chatre, Bernard of Clairvaux, Theobald Ii of Champagne, Peter the Venerable, Monks of Cluny, Arnulf of Lisieux
About Celestine II
Pope Celestine II, born Guido di Castello, served as the head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States for a brief but significant period from September 26, 1143, to March 8, 1144. His pontificate, though short, was characterized by a decisive shift in papal policy, marked by a departure from the conciliatory approach of his predecessor, Pope Innocent II.
Life and Historical Context
Guido di Castello's early life is traced to either Città di Castello or Macerata in Italy. He received his education under the influential philosopher Pierre Abélard, later becoming a respected master in the academic schools. His ecclesiastical career began in Rome as a subdeacon and scriptor apostolicus under Pope Callixtus II. He was elevated to Cardinal-Deacon of Santa Maria in Via Lata by Pope Honorius II in 1127 and later, in December 1133, was promoted to Cardinal-Priest of San Marco by Pope Innocent II, who also appointed him rector of Benevento and papal legate to France.
Celestine II was elected pope during a period of relative stability for papal elections in Rome, two days after the death of Innocent II. His reign, spanning just over five months, was nonetheless eventful.
Major Contributions and Decisions
Upon his accession, Celestine II immediately signaled a change in direction. He was notably opposed to Pope Innocent II's concessions to King Roger II of Sicily, refusing to ratify the Treaty of Mignano. Furthermore, he aligned himself with the Plantagenet claim to the English throne, consequently opposing King Stephen of England by refusing to renew the legatine authority granted to Stephen's brother, Henry of Blois. Celestine II also demonstrated support for the military orders, the Templars and the Hospitallers, by ordering a collection for them and granting the latter control of a hospital in Jerusalem.
The most significant act of his papacy was the resolution of the conflict in France concerning the nomination of Pierre de la Chatre as the archbishop of Bourges. After Innocent II had placed France under an interdict due to King Louis VII's refusal to accept Pierre, Celestine II, appealed to by both Bernard of Clairvaux and Count Theobald II of Champagne, lifted the interdict upon Louis VII's agreement to accept Pierre as the legitimate archbishop.
Legacy
Celestine II's papacy, though brief, is remembered for its assertive foreign policy and decisive actions in resolving significant ecclesiastical disputes. He is also noted as the first pope to be listed in the traditional Prophecies of St Malachy, a collection of papal prophecies attributed to the 12th-century bishop of Down, Malachy.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Pope Celestine II reign?
Pope Celestine II reigned from September 26, 1143, until his death on March 8, 1144. His pontificate lasted for only five months and thirteen days.
What was Celestine II's birth name and origin?
Celestine II was born Guido di Castello. He was possibly the son of a local noble, Niccolo di Castello, and was born either in Città di Castello or at Macerata in the March of Ancona.
What were some of Celestine II's major actions as pope?
Celestine II opposed his predecessor's concessions to Roger II of Sicily and refused to renew the legatine authority granted to King Stephen's brother, Henry of Blois. He also favored the Templars and Hospitallers, and his principal act was lifting the interdict on France.
Who did Celestine II study under?
Celestine II, then known as Guido di Castello, studied under the renowned philosopher and theologian Pierre Abélard. He eventually became a distinguished master in the schools himself.
Where was Celestine II buried?
Pope Celestine II died on March 8, 1144, in the monastery of Saint Sebastian on the Palatine hill. He was buried in the south transept of the Lateran Basilica.
Related Popes
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