Relic of Pope Saint Celestine VThe artifact is a second class relic, meaning it is an article of clothing belonging to the pope. It is contained in an ornate reliquary with the symbol of the papacy: the cross-keys and tiara. A cross adorns the top of the reliquary.
Pope Celestine V, who abdicated after only serving for five months as pope, was a very holy man who was canonized in 1313 by Pope Clement V.
Until Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation on February 11, 2013, Celestine was the last pope to have resigned from his office.
December 13, 1294: The Abdication of Pope Saint Celestine V:
“So it was Saint Celestine V. He knew how to act according to his conscience, in obedience to God, and therefore without fear and with great courage. Even in difficult moments, as the ones from his brief pontificate, he never feared losing his dignity, knowing that it was full of truth.”
These are the comments of Pope Benedict XVI upon his visit to Sulmona in 2010 to venerate the relics of Pope St. Celestine V who reigned for five months in 1294. At that time, Benedict laid his pallium upon the tomb of St. Celestine.
The Pope also highlighted St. Celestine’s silent attitude in search of God’s help to find his voice. In February 2013, Benedict XVI followed his example and resigned as pope.
The artifact is a second class relic, meaning it is an article of clothing belonging to the pope. It is contained in an ornate reliquary with the symbol of the papacy: the cross-keys and tiara. A cross adorns the top of the reliquary.
Pope Celestine V, who abdicated after only serving for five months as pope, was a very holy man who was canonized in 1313 by Pope Clement V.
Until Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation on February 11, 2013, Celestine was the last pope to have resigned from his office.
The word, relic is from the Latin reliquiae, meaning remains.
Pope Benedict XVI at the tomb of Pope Saint Celestine V
Pope St. Celestine V: First Class Relic
Pope St. Celestine Reliquary with Wax Seal IntactThe artifact is a 1st class relic, meaning it is the physical remains of a saint (bone, a hair, skull, a limb, etc.).
Traditionally, a martyr’s relics are often more prized than the relics of other saints.
This relic is contained in a bronze reliquary enclosed on the front by a crystal. Inside the holy relic, written in Latin, is “S.Petri Celestine Pp.”
Pope Celestine V, who abdicated after only serving for five months as pope, was a very holy man who was canonized in 1313 by Pope Clement V.
In back a very important red wax seal (of Bishop Colonna ) insures the integrity the relic.
The silky threads that seal the reliquary are intact.
Until Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation on February 11, 2013, Celestine was the last pope to have resigned from his office.
Size reliquary mm 73 x 33 x 15
July 5, 1294 – December 13, 1294
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- Pope St. Celestine V
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- Pope St. Celestine V Coat of Arms
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- Pope St. Celestine V: Burial Site in Basilica of Saint Mary Di Collemaggio L’Aquila
