Pope St. Celestine V: The Hermit Pope

Описание: Pope Saint Celestine V (1215–1296), born Pietro Angelerio, is remembered as the "Hermit Pope" for his profound humility and reluctance to wield power. Raised in a peasant family in Sicily, Pietro embraced monastic life at 17, founding the Celestine Order, which emphasized austerity and prayer. Despite his desire for solitude, he was thrust into the papacy in 1294 at age 79 to resolve a two-year deadlock among cardinals. His papacy lasted just five months, marked by political manipulation from King Charles II of Naples and his own administrative inexperience. Recognizing his inadequacy, Celestine V made history by resigning—the first pope to do so voluntarily—citing a "desire for humility, a pure life, and a clear conscience." His successor, Boniface VIII, imprisoned him to prevent schism, and Celestine died in captivity ten months later. Canonized in 1313, he remains a symbol of integrity, simplicity, and the courage to prioritize spiritual truth over temporal power.


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Prayer to St. Celestine V:
“O Holy Celestine,
hermit pope and champion of humility,
teach us to seek God above all earthly honors.

When power tempts us, grant your detachment;
when pride assails us, grant your meekness;
when confusion reigns, grant your clarity.
Help us to discern God’s will
and follow it with your unwavering courage.
Amen.”

Prayer for the New Pope:
“Lord, through the intercession of St. Celestine,
bless our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV,
with wisdom to lead Your Church in truth.

Strengthen him against political strife,
shield him from vanity and fear,
and nurture in him Celestine’s humility.
May he prioritize prayer over power,
unity over ambition,
and Your eternal kingdom over fleeting glory.

Guide him to shepherd Your flock
with a heart like Christ’s—
humble, steadfast, and radiant with love.
Amen.”