When was Pope Celestine III pope?

Celestine III reigned as the 175th pope from 30 March 1191–8 January 1198, during the high Middle Ages.

What number pope was Celestine III?

Celestine III was pope 175º — the 175th successor of St. Peter in the Catholic Church's official list of 267 popes.

What is Celestine III remembered for?

Celestine III served the Church during the high Middle Ages (30 March 1191–8 January 1198). Subject and later the sovereign of the Papal States.

Who came before and after Pope Celestine III?

Celestine III (175º) succeeded Pope Clement III (174º) and was followed by Pope Innocent III (176º) in the line of apostolic succession.

Pope Celestine III (175º): Biography, Pontificate & Legacy

Celestine III was the 175th pope of the Catholic Church, reigning 30 March 1191–8 January 1198 during the high Middle Ages. Subject and later the sovereign of the Papal States.

Who Was Pope Celestine III?

This biography of Celestine III (175º) 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 Giacinto Bobone Orsini. Born circa 1105 Rome, Papal States, he entered a world shaped by politics and piety very different from today's global Church.

Historical Context

Celestine III 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.

Pontificate & Key Events

The pontificate (30 March 1191–8 January 1198) centered on governance during the high Middle Ages. Confirmed the statutes of the Teutonic Knights as a military order.

Papal Acts & Achievements

Celestine III 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. Papal motto: Perfice gressus meos in semitis Tuis ("Going in Thy path").

Key Highlights

175th pope of the Catholic Church
Pontificate: 30 March 1191–8 January 1198
Shepherded the Church during the high Middle Ages
Successor of St. Peter in the official Catholic list

Legacy in the Catholic Church

Celestine III remains pope 175º 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 Celestine III helps Catholics see how the Holy Spirit guided the Church through the high Middle Ages — with human weakness and grace intertwined. 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

Celestine III followed Pope Clement III (174º) in the unbroken line of apostolic succession from St. Peter. Upon his death or resignation, he was succeeded by Pope Innocent III (176º), 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.