Pope Celestine V (1215-19 May 1296), born Pietro Angelerio, was Pope from 5 July to 13 December 1294, succeeding Pope Nicholas IV and preceding Pope Boniface VIII.
Biography[]
Pietro Angelerio was born in 1215, and in 1244 he founded the Celestine Order while being a monk. On 5 July 1294, Angelerio was consecrated as "Celestine V", and he succeeded Pope Nicholas IV as pope. He retired after a few months in office after passing a decree that allowed popes to abdicate, as he wanted to return to his humble life. Pope Boniface VIII annulled Celestine's acts upon taking office, and Celestine died in 1296.