St. Celestine V
Italian Benedictine hermit elected pope in 1294 at age 79; resigned after only five months, the first pope to abdicate, and was later imprisoned by his successor Boniface VIII. Canonized 1313. Feast May 19.
Life & Times
Also known as: Peter of Morrone · Born: 1215 · Died: 1296 · From: Italy.
Patronage
St. Celestine V is invoked as the patron of bookbinders, contemplatives, hermits. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
“I would rather seek God in solitude than reign over men.”— St. Celestine V (traditionally attributed)
Shop St. Celestine V Products
Devotional items honoring St. Celestine V, from our Sancta Lumina collection and beyond.
About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. Celestine V, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.