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Celestine II
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Christ as Ruler, with the Apostles and Evangelists (represented by the beasts). The female figures are believed to be either Santa Pudenziana and Santa Praxedes or symbols of the Jewish and Gentile churches. Mosaic in the apse of Santa Pudenziana, Rome,A
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Quick Facts
Original name:
Guido Di CittĂ  Di Castello, or Guido De Castellis
Died:
March 8, 1144
Flourished:
c.1101 - c.1150
Title / Office:
pope (1124-1124)
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Celestine II

pope
Also known as: Guido de Castellis
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History

Celestine II (born, Città di Castello, Umbria, or Macerata, Ancona [Italy]—died March 8, 1144) was the pope from 1143 to 1144.

A scholar of noble birth, he studied under Peter AbĂ©lard, with whom he remained on friendly terms even after AbĂ©lard’s condemnation at the Council of Sens (1140). He was made cardinal deacon in 1127 by Pope Honorius II and cardinal priest (c. 1134) by Pope Innocent II, whom he was elected to succeed on Sept. 26, 1143. As pope (consecrated October 3), Celestine immediately removed Innocent’s interdict against King Louis VII of France. He died on the verge of a controversy with King Roger II of Sicily regarding Roger’s prerogatives as apostolic legate.

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