Celestine V
Pope Celestine V, born Pietro Angelerio, was a hermit monk who became pope for five months in 1294. His papacy ended a significant papal impasse, but he abdicated due to his perceived inadequacy for the role, returning to a life of solitude. He is remembered for formalizing the right of a pope to resign and for his subsequent canonization.
Key Facts
- ›Founded the Order of the Celestines as a branch of the Benedictine order.
- ›Was elected pope in the last non-conclave papal election, ending a two-year impasse.
- ›Abdicated the papacy after only five months to return to a life of solitude.
- ›Was imprisoned by his successor, Boniface VIII, in the castle of Fumone.
- ›Was canonized by Pope Clement V in 1313.
Pietro da Morrone, Peter of Morrone, Peter Celestine
Asceticism, Solitude, Papal Authority
- Confirmed the Right of the Pope To Abdicate
- Founded the Order of the Celestines
- Issued A Papal Bull Granting A Plenary Indulgence To Pilgrims of Santa Maria Di Collemaggio
- Renewed Stringent Rules For Papal Conclaves
- Resigned From the Papacy
Boniface Viii, Clement V, Urban Iv, Gregory X, Charles Ii of Naples, Kingdom of Sicily, Kingdom of Naples, Order of the Celestines, Benedictine Order, Dante Alighieri
About Celestine V
Pope Celestine V
Pope Celestine V, born Pietro Angelerio (also known by various other names including Pietro da Morrone, Peter of Morrone, and Peter Celestine), was the head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States for a brief period of five months, from July 5 to December 13, 1294. Prior to his papacy, he was a noted monk and hermit, and he founded the Order of the Celestines as a branch of the Benedictine order.
Life and Historical Context
Pietro Angelerio was born in the rural region of Molise, in the Kingdom of Sicily. His early life was marked by a strong spiritual inclination, encouraged by his mother, which led him to become a Benedictine monk at the age of 17. He later embraced an ascetic and solitary lifestyle, retiring to caves on Montagne del Morrone and later Maiella mountain, attracting followers and gaining a reputation as a miracle worker. In 1244, he founded the order that would eventually bear his name, the Celestines, which received formal approval from Pope Urban IV in 1263 and papal protection from Pope Gregory X in 1274.
Election and Papacy
Celestine V's election as pope occurred in 1294 after a protracted two-year impasse among the cardinals. He was elected in what is considered the last non-conclave papal election. Despite initial reluctance, he accepted the papacy and took the name Celestine V. His pontificate was characterized by a lack of political experience and perceived weakness, holding office in the Kingdom of Naples under the influence of King Charles II. Among his notable acts was the confirmation of the right of a pope to abdicate, a right he soon exercised himself.
Abdication and Imprisonment
Realizing his unsuitability for the papal role, Celestine V resigned on December 13, 1294, citing his desire to return to a humble, pre-papal life. This decision was controversial and led to his subsequent imprisonment by his successor, Pope Boniface VIII, in the castle of Fumone to prevent his potential installation as an antipope. He died in prison on May 19, 1296.
Legacy
Celestine V's primary legacy lies in his formalization of the papal resignation process, a precedent followed by a few subsequent popes. He was canonized on May 5, 1313, by Pope Clement V. His life and resignation have been subjects of artistic and literary interpretation, notably in Dante Alighieri's Inferno and in later historical and dramatic works.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Pope Celestine V?
Pope Celestine V, born Pietro Angelerio, was a hermit monk who served as head of the Catholic Church for five months in 1294. He founded the Order of the Celestines and is known for his abdication from the papacy.
Why did Pope Celestine V abdicate?
Celestine V cited his desire for humility, a purer life, a stainless conscience, physical deficiencies, ignorance, and a longing for his former tranquil life as reasons for his resignation. He realized his incompatibility with papal duties and lacked political experience.
What is Celestine V most famous for?
He is most famous for being the first pope to formally establish and exercise the right to abdicate the papacy. His resignation ended a prolonged papal impasse and his subsequent canonization also marks him as a significant figure.
What happened to Celestine V after he abdicated?
After abdicating, Celestine V attempted to return to his solitary life but was imprisoned by his successor, Pope Boniface VIII, in the castle of Fumone. He died in prison in 1296.
Is Pope Celestine V a saint?
Yes, Pope Celestine V was canonized on May 5, 1313, by Pope Clement V. He is venerated as Saint Celestine V.
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