Celestine IV
Celestine IV, born Goffredo da Castiglione, was Pope for a mere seventeen days in October-November 1241, a period marked by intense political struggle between the papacy and Emperor Frederick II. His brief pontificate was overshadowed by the tumultuous papal election held under duress in Rome, ultimately contributing to his death shortly after his election.
Key Facts
- ›Born Goffredo da Castiglione in Milan, likely between 1180 and 1187.
- ›Served as chancellor of the church of Milan before becoming a cardinal.
- ›Made cardinal by Pope Gregory IX in 1227 and later cardinal bishop of Sabina.
- ›Elected pope on October 25, 1241, after a difficult election process.
- ›Died on November 10, 1241, just seventeen days into his pontificate.
- ›Entombed in Saint Peter's Basilica.
Goffredo da Castiglione, Goffredo Castiglioni
Elected Pope On October 25, 1241, Occupied the Papal Throne For Seventeen Days, Possibly Excommunicated Matteo Rosso Orsini
Pope Urban Iii, Pope Gregory Ix, Emperor Frederick Ii, Matteo Rosso Orsini, Sinibaldo De' Fieschi, Robert of Somercotes, Romano Da Porto, Otto of St. Nicholas
About Celestine IV
Pope Celestine IV
Pope Celestine IV, born Goffredo da Castiglione (also known as Goffredo Castiglioni), served as head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States for a mere seventeen days, from October 25, 1241, to his death on November 10, 1241. His brief pontificate occurred during a period of intense conflict between the papacy and Emperor Frederick II.
Life and Historical Context
Born in Milan, Goffredo da Castiglione's early life is not well-documented until he became chancellor of the church of Milan. Pope Gregory IX made him a cardinal in 1227 and later sent him as a legate to Lombardy and Tuscany in an attempt to secure those regions for the papal side against Emperor Frederick II, though this effort was unsuccessful. In 1238, he was appointed cardinal bishop of Sabina.
The papal election of 1241, which ultimately elevated Celestine IV, was held under severe and distressing conditions. The cardinals were confined in the Septizodium palace in Rome, controlled by Senator Matteo Rosso Orsini, an opponent of the Colonna family. The conditions were so poor that rain leaked into their chamber, and one cardinal, Robert of Somercotes, died during the conclave. The election was further complicated by divisions among the cardinals regarding the approach to Emperor Frederick II, with some favoring a hard line and others seeking a peaceful resolution to the war in Italy.
Pontificate and Death
Finally, on October 25, 1241, the cardinal bishop of Sabina was elected by a two-thirds majority, taking the name Pope Celestine IV. He occupied the papal throne for only seventeen days. It is debated whether his most significant act was the excommunication of Matteo Rosso Orsini, as some evidence suggests Orsini remained in power and his son later became a cardinal. Celestine IV died on November 10, 1241, reportedly from fatigue and old age, before he could be crowned. He was entombed in Saint Peter's Basilica.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Pope Celestine IV?
Pope Celestine IV, born Goffredo da Castiglione, was the head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States for a very brief period in 1241. His pontificate lasted only seventeen days.
When did Pope Celestine IV reign?
His papacy began on October 25, 1241, and concluded with his death on November 10, 1241. He reigned during the 13th century.
What was notable about Pope Celestine IV's election?
The papal election that elevated Celestine IV was held under extremely stringent and violent conditions in Rome. The cardinals were held captive in the Septizodium palace, facing harsh weather and political pressure, which contributed to the death of at least one cardinal before Celestine's election.
What were Pope Celestine IV's major actions?
Due to his exceptionally short pontificate, Celestine IV's major actions were very limited. It is disputed whether his only significant act was the excommunication of Matteo Rosso Orsini, as some sources suggest Orsini continued in his role as Senator of Rome after Celestine's death.
How long did Pope Celestine IV serve as Pope?
Pope Celestine IV served as Pope for only seventeen days. He was elected on October 25, 1241, and died on November 10, 1241.
Related Popes
Adrian V
Pope Adrian V, born Ottobuono de' Fieschi, served as head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States for a brief period in 1276. His pontificate was cut short by his death from illness before he could be ordained as a priest. He is known for his diplomatic mission to England and his appearance in Dante Alighieri's "Divine Comedy."
Honorius IV
Pope Honorius IV, born Giacomo Savelli, served as head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 1285 to 1287. His papacy occurred during a turbulent period, marked by the ongoing conflict in Sicily, where he continued his predecessor's pro-French political stance while attempting to navigate complex international relations and maintain papal authority. He is the most recent pope to use the pontifical name "Honorius".
Innocent IV
Pope Innocent IV, born Sinibaldo Fieschi, was a prominent canonist who served as head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 1243 to 1254. His pontificate was largely defined by his ongoing conflict with Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II, leading to the First Council of Lyon and the deposition of the emperor. He is also known for the papal bull "Ad extirpanda," which authorized torture against heretics.