Pope Callixtus II (162º): Biography, Pontificate & Legacy
Pontificate: 2 February 1119–13 December 1124
Callixtus II was the 162nd pope of the Catholic Church, reigning 2 February 1119–13 December 1124 during the high Middle Ages. Subject of the County of Burgundy.
Who Was Pope Callixtus II?
This biography of Callixtus II (162º) covers background, major events, and legacy in the line of St. Peter. During the high Middle Ages, the Bishop of Rome exercised teaching, sanctifying, and governing authority for the universal Church.
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 led the Church in the high Middle Ages — an era of crusades, monastic reform, cathedral building, and intense negotiation between popes and emperors over who held ultimate 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
Callixtus II left a distinct mark through decisions that historians still debate and Catholics still study. His reign contributed to the continuous apostolic succession now numbering 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. Read against the high Middle Ages, his pontificate shows how Providence works through imperfect ministers without abandoning the Barque of Peter.
Why Catholics Study This Pope Today
Studying Callixtus II helps Catholics see how the Holy Spirit guided the Church through the high Middle Ages — with human weakness and grace intertwined. Primary sources from this pontificate — bulls, conciliar acts, or encyclicals — reward readers who want depth beyond summaries. Place this pope in context using our chronological list of all 267 popes and the biographies of his immediate predecessor and successor linked below.
Place in the Line of Succession
Callixtus II followed Pope Gelasius II (161º) in the unbroken line of apostolic succession from St. Peter. Upon his death or resignation, he was succeeded by Pope Honorius II (163º), who continued the mission of shepherding the universal Church. Explore the full chronological chain in our complete list of all 267 popes, or read the biographies of neighboring pontiffs linked below.