Pope Celestine II

Pope of the Catholic Church from 1143 to 1144

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Summary

Updated 2026-06-08

Five months and twelve days. That's how long Guido di Castello held the keys of St. Peter before dying in March 1144 — one of the shortest papal reigns on record, barely long enough to leave a mark.

Biography

About

Guido di Castello became Pope Celestine II on 26 September 1143, ascending to lead both the Catholic Church and the Papal States. His papacy lasted only until 8 March 1144 — a span too brief to shape doctrine or policy in any lasting way. He died that March, leaving behind little more than the fact of his election and the swiftness of his departure.

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