Pope Celestine V
Pope Celestine V, born Pietro Angelerio, was a monk and hermit who served as head of the Catholic Church for five months in 1294. He is primarily remembered for his abdication, which he formalized, and for founding the order of the Celestines. His brief papacy ended a two-year impasse in papal elections, and his decision to resign allowed him to return to his ascetic life.
- Feast Day
- May 19
- Century
- 13th century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›He was born Pietro Angelerio in the Molise region of the Kingdom of Sicily.
- ›He founded the order of the Celestines as a branch of the Benedictine order.
- ›Celestine V was elected pope in the church's last non-conclave papal election.
- ›He abdicated the papacy on December 13, 1294, after less than six months in office.
- ›He was imprisoned by his successor, Boniface VIII, in the castle of Fumone.
- ›Celestine V was canonized on may 5, 1313, by Pope Clement V.
Pietro Angelerio, Pietro da Morrone, Peter of Morrone, Peter Celestine
Benedictines, Celestines
About Pope Celestine V
Pope Celestine V, born Pietro Angelerio (also known as Pietro da Morrone), was the head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States for a brief period from July 5 to December 13, 1294. His pontificate was marked by his unexpected election, his short tenure, and his subsequent abdication, making him a unique figure in papal history.
Early Life and Religious Vocation
Pietro Angelerio was born in the rural region of Molise, in the Kingdom of Sicily, between 1209 and 1215. He displayed a strong inclination towards spirituality from a young age, encouraged by his mother. At the age of 17, he became a Benedictine monk and later pursued an ascetic life as a hermit on the Montagne del Morrone, attracting followers and gaining a reputation as a miracle worker. In 1244, he founded the order that would later be named after him, the Celestines, a branch of the Benedictine order known for its strict ascetic practices.
Papacy and Abdication
Celestine V's election as pope in 1294 was unusual, occurring after a two-year impasse among the cardinals. He was elected through a non-conclave process, primarily due to a letter he sent warning the cardinals of divine retribution if they did not elect a pope. After his coronation, he proved to be an ineffectual leader, lacking political experience and heavily influenced by King Charles II of Naples. Realizing his incompatibility with papal duties and his lack of authority, Celestine V consulted with Cardinal Benedetto Caetani (who would become his successor, Boniface VIII) and ultimately resigned on December 13, 1294, citing his desire for humility and a return to his former solitary life.
Imprisonment, Death, and Canonization
Following his abdication, Celestine V was imprisoned by Pope Boniface VIII in the castle of Fumone to prevent any potential claims of him being an antipope. He died in prison on May 19, 1296, at the age of approximately 81. Despite allegations of mistreatment and murder, there is no clear historical evidence to support these claims. Celestine V was canonized on May 5, 1313, by Pope Clement V, and is remembered for his humility and the precedent he set for papal resignation.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pope Celestine V most remembered for?
Pope Celestine V is most remembered for his resignation from the papacy after only five months in office. He is also credited with founding the order of the Celestines and for confirming the right of a pope to abdicate.
Why did Pope Celestine V resign?
Celestine V resigned due to his desire for humility, a purer life, a clear conscience, and a longing for his former solitary life. He felt ill-suited for the duties and pressures of the papacy.
What happened to Pope Celestine V after he resigned?
After abdicating, Celestine V was imprisoned by his successor, Pope Boniface VIII, in the castle of Fumone. This was done to prevent him from being installed as an antipope. He died in prison ten months later.
Was Pope Celestine V the first pope to resign?
While Celestine V was the first to formalize the process of papal resignation, he was not the first pope to resign. He was preceded by Pontian, John XVIII, Benedict IX, and Gregory VI.
When was Pope Celestine V canonized?
Pope Celestine V was canonized on May 5, 1313, by Pope Clement V.
Related Saints
Eusebius of Rome
Eusebius of Rome was a Roman patrician and priest, venerated as a saint and confessor. He is primarily remembered for his ardent defense of the Nicene Creed against Arianism during the reign of Emperor Constantius II, which led to his imprisonment and eventual death. The church of Sant'Eusebio in Rome is dedicated to him and is said to have been built on the site of his house.
Ivo of Kermartin
Ivo of Kermartin was a medieval parish priest known for his dedication to the poor and his legal acumen, earning him the title "advocate of the poor." He is the patron saint of lawyers, Brittany, and abandoned children, remembered for his impartial justice and defense of the vulnerable. His feast day is observed on May 19th.
Francisco Coll Guitart
Francisco Coll Guitart was a Spanish Catholic priest and a member of the Order of Preachers. He is best known as the founder of the Dominican Sisters of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. His canonization on October 11, 2009, recognized his significant contributions to religious life and charitable work.