Sometimes, history feels like a Netflix plot twist. One moment, everyone expects seasoned politicians to run the show. Next moment, boom — a hermit walks in from the mountains and becomes Pope. Yes, that actually happened.
Back in 1294, the Catholic Church was stuck. Properly stuck. After the death of Pope Nicholas IV, the College of Cardinals spent two full years arguing, bickering, and playing factional politics. No pope. No progress. Just vibes… and not good ones.
Eventually, desperation kicked in. And when people panic, they do weird things.
That’s how Pietro del Morrone entered the chat.
A Hermit Enters the Vatican (Unexpectedly)
Pietro del Morrone was not your typical leadership candidate. In fact, he was the total opposite. He lived as a hermit. He fasted. He prayed. He avoided power like it was spam email. Politics? Nah. Admin work? Big nope.
However, he was deeply respected for his holiness. People saw him as a walking spiritual Wi-Fi hotspot. So when Pietro sent a fiery letter warning the cardinals that divine judgment might be coming for their endless delays, it hit hard.
Suddenly, the cardinals looked at each other and thought, “Eh… maybe this guy.”
And just like that, the hermit became Pope Celestine V.
Wild.
Holy Man, But Zero Management Skills
At first, people were hopeful. A pure soul on the papal throne sounded refreshing. Less politics. More God. What could go wrong?
Well… everything administrative.
Celestine V had spent decades in isolation. He had no experience running a massive institution. No training in diplomacy. No instinct for power games. Meanwhile, the papacy was basically a medieval multinational corporation with kings breathing down its neck.
As a result, confusion ruled. Decisions were slow. Advisors pulled strings behind the scenes. Politically sharper clerics took advantage of his innocence. Celestine himself felt lost, overwhelmed, and frankly, quite done.
The glow faded fast.
The Most Honest Realisation a Pope Ever Had
Then came the moment that changed Church history.
Celestine V realised something many leaders never admit: he was not suited for the job.
Instead of clinging to power, he did something radical. First, he issued a formal decree stating that a pope could resign. At that point, this was unheard of. No precedent. No template. Just courage.
Days later, he used that same rule on himself.
In December 1294, Pope Celestine V stepped down voluntarily.
Mic drop.
The Aftermath: Power, Politics, and Regret
His resignation cleared the way for the election of Boniface VIII, a pope who was… let’s just say, very different. Boniface was politically aggressive and later clashed hard with King Philip IV of France. The Church returned to power struggles, ego battles, and dramatic showdowns.
Meanwhile, Celestine’s quiet exit didn’t bring him peace. Fearing that Celestine might be used as a rival figure, Boniface ordered him confined. The former pope spent his final years under harsh conditions.
Not exactly a happy ending.
Why Celestine V Still Matters Today
Here’s the thing though. Even with all the chaos, Celestine V left behind something massive.
His resignation shattered the idea that the papacy was an unbreakable, lifelong throne. He showed that stepping away could be an act of strength, not weakness. That humility belongs even at the highest level of authority.
Centuries later, when Pope Benedict XVI resigned in 2013, people immediately looked back to Celestine V. That lonely hermit from the 13th century suddenly mattered again.
Long game, sia.
My Take: Power Isn’t Always the Prize
Here’s my honest view. Celestine V didn’t fail because he resigned. He failed because the system expected one man to be both a saint and a CEO. That’s a crazy ask, even today.
In a world obsessed with holding on — titles, jobs, influence — Celestine chose to let go. That’s rare. Leaders today could learn from that. Not every promotion is a blessing. Not every role is your calling.
Sometimes, the bravest move is saying, “This one not for me.”
And honestly? Respect.
Celestine V never wanted power. Yet, he changed how power works. His short reign didn’t reshape politics, but it reshaped expectations. It reminded the world that authority without self-awareness is dangerous, and humility can quietly rewrite history.
Not bad for a hermit who just wanted some peace and quiet.
