Pope Celestine IV facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pope Celestine IV |
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|---|---|
| Bishop of Rome | |
| Church | Catholic Church |
| Papacy began | 25 October 1241 |
| Papacy ended | 10 November 1241 |
| Predecessor | Gregory IX |
| Successor | Innocent IV |
| Orders | |
| Created Cardinal | 18 September 1227 |
| Personal details | |
| Birth name | Goffredo da Castiglione Goffredo Castiglioni |
| Born | c. 1180/1187 Milan, Holy Roman Empire |
| Died | 10 November 1241 Rome, Papal States |
| Previous post |
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| Coat of arms |  |
| Other Popes named Celestine | |
Pope Celestine IV (born Goffredo da Castiglione) was the leader of the Catholic Church and the Papal States for a very short time. He was Pope from October 25, 1241, until his death on November 10, 1241. His time as Pope lasted only seventeen days.
Contents
Early Life and Church Career
Goffredo da Castiglione was born in Milan around 1180 or 1187. Not much is known about his early years. He became an important church official in Milan, serving as chancellor from at least 1223.
In 1227, Pope Gregory IX made him a Cardinal. This is a very high rank in the Catholic Church. As a Cardinal, Goffredo was given the church of San Marco in Rome.
Pope Gregory IX also sent him on special missions. He traveled to Lombardy and Tuscany in Italy. His job was to convince cities there to support the Pope. However, these cities often sided with the Emperor Frederick II. Goffredo was not successful in changing their minds. In 1238, he became a Cardinal-Bishop, which is an even higher rank.
The Difficult Papal Election of 1241
The election to choose the next Pope in 1241 was very difficult. It happened during a big fight between the Pope and Emperor Frederick II. The Emperor controlled parts of Italy and wanted more power.
The Cardinals, who elect the Pope, were divided. Some wanted to continue fighting Frederick II. Others wanted to find a peaceful solution to the war.
The election took place in Rome under very tough conditions. The Roman Senator, Matteo Rosso Orsini, held the Cardinals captive. They were kept in an old, crumbling palace called the Septizodium. The conditions were terrible, with rain leaking through the roof. One Cardinal even became sick and died during this time.
The Cardinals argued for weeks about who should be the next Pope. Emperor Frederick II even tried to influence the election. He held two Cardinals captive and demanded that the Cardinals in Rome elect a Pope he approved of.
Celestine IV's Short Papacy
Finally, on October 25, 1241, Goffredo da Castiglione was chosen as Pope. He took the name Celestine IV. He was elected by seven out of the ten Cardinals.
Pope Celestine IV's time as Pope was extremely short. He died just seventeen days later, on November 10, 1241. He was old and tired from the difficult election. He died before he could even have his official crowning ceremony.
Some say his only important act was to punish Matteo Rosso Orsini, the Senator who had held the Cardinals captive. However, this is debated by historians.
Celestine IV was buried in St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.
See also
In Spanish: Celestino IV para niños
