Lentorama 2025: Perfunctory Popes

Day 18: Celestine IV

Born Goffredo Castiglione, Celestine doesn't enter the historical record until he became chancellor of the church in his native Milan. He was made a cardinal in 1227, and alternated between diocesan work and diplomatic work representing the church in the ongoing struggle between the Holy Roman Emperor, Frederick II, and the Lombard League (which had its own factions at odds with each other over supporting either the emperor or the pope).

This political turmoil dominated the election of 1241, with the small college of cardinals (numbering no more than 14) further limited by two of their number being held captive by Frederick. The group was split on the topic of how the new pope should deal with Frederick, and was unable to get to a two-thirds vote for a candidate. 

The cardinals had been confined to a Roman monastery by Senator Matteo Rosso Orsini, and the conditions didn't help matters. The space was hot, but with a leaky roof that let the rain in, and the amount of food on hand was minimal. The conditions were blamed for the death of one cardinal, and likely contributed to the death of Celestine.

Already one of the oldest cardinals (he was over 60!), his age and deteriorating health was thought to have contributed to his election (the cardinals looking to kick the can down the road... but not that far down). Elected on October 25, Celestine lasted all of 17 days before dying prior to his coronation. The one thing that he appeared to have been able to do during his time in office? Excommunicate Matteo Rosso Orsini. Whether it was for the lack of food or drippy ceiling was not recorded.