Pope Callixtus II (162º): Biography, Pontificate & Legacy

Who Was Pope Callixtus II?

Pope Callixtus II — 162º in the Catholic list — reigned 2 February 1119–13 December 1124 during the high Middle Ages. Subject of the County of Burgundy. This Guide Catholic profile gathers background, major acts, and legacy so you can read Callixtus II beside neighboring pontiffs.

Early Life & Background

Before election he was known as Gui de Bourgogne. Born circa 1060 Quingey, County of Burgundy, he entered a world shaped by politics and piety very different from today's global Church.

Historical Context

Callixtus II (#undefined) led during crusades, monastic reform, and cathedral culture — and during sharp contests between popes and emperors over authority in Christendom. Convened the First Council of the Lateran(1123).

Pontificate & Key Events

The pontificate (2 February 1119–13 December 1124) centered on governance during the high Middle Ages. Was of French ethnicity.

Papal Acts & Achievements

Acts associated with Callixtus II (#162, 2 February 1119–13 December 1124) still draw historians and Catholics who want more than a one-line summary. His reign remains a link in the succession now counted at 267 popes.

Key Highlights

• 162nd pope of the Catholic Church
• Pontificate: 2 February 1119–13 December 1124
• Convened the First Council of the Lateran(1123).
• Shepherded the Church during the high Middle Ages
• Successor of St. Peter in the official Catholic list

Legacy in the Catholic Church

Callixtus II remains pope 162º in the Annuario Pontificio. Set against the high Middle Ages, Callixtus II's choices show both the limits of any one pontiff and the continuity of the office he held.

Why Catholics Study This Pope Today

Place Callixtus II on your mental map: 162º successor of Peter, reigning 2 February 1119–13 December 1124, formed by the high Middle Ages. Start with the concrete record: Convened the First Council of the Lateran(1123). Where bulls, conciliar acts, or encyclicals survive from this reign, they repay readers who want primary sources rather than summaries alone. Compare Callixtus II with the biographies of his predecessor and successor linked below to see reform, rupture, or quiet continuity.

Place in the Line of Succession

Callixtus II followed Pope Gelasius II (161º, 24 January 1118–29 January 1119) after a transition shaped by the politics and piety of their shared century. He was followed by Pope Honorius II (163º, 21 December 1124–13 February 1130), whose biography continues the chain on Guide Catholic. For the full chronological map, see our complete list of all 267 popes — then read neighboring biographies for contrast, not only continuity.