Pope Celestine II (died March 8, 1144), born
Guido di Castello, was
pope from 1143 to 1144.
Early life
His first home was in
Città di Castello in a place called Paterna Santa Felicita on a hill of Apennine.
He had studied under
Pierre Abélard. He was created Cardinal-Deacon of S. Maria in Via Lata by
Pope Honorius II in 1128; as such, he signed the papal bulls between April 3, 1130 and December 21, 1133. In the double
papal election, 1130 he joined the obedience of
Pope Innocent II. In December 1133 he was promoted to the rank of Cardinal-Priest of S. Marco. He signed the papal bulls as
S.R.E. indignus sacerdos between January 12, 1134 and May 16, 1143. He participated in the
papal election, 1143 and was elected pope.
Papacy
He governed the Church for only five months and thirteen days from his election until his death, March 8, 1144. The principal act of his
papacy was the absolution of
Louis VII of France (1137–80) at the request of the penitent monarch, and the removal of the interdict under which
France had lain for three years. He was buried at the
Lateran.
