Pope Celestine III

Infobox Pope
English name=Celestine III


birth_name=Giacinto Bobone
term_start=March 30, 1191
term_end=January 8, 1198
predecessor=Clement III
successor=Innocent III
birth_date="ca." 1106
birthplace= Rome, Italy
dead=dead|death_date=death date|1198|1|8|mf=y
deathplace=Rome, Italy
other=Celestine

Pope Celestine III (Rome, c. 1106 – January 8, 1198), born Giacinto Bobone, was elected Pope on March 30, 1191, and reigned until his death. He was born into the noble Bobone family (ancestors of the Orsini family), though he was only a deacon before becoming Pope. He was ordained a priest on April 13, 1191, ruled the church six years, nine months, and nine days (though believed to have been about eighty five when elected), died January 8, 1198, and was buried at the Lateran. He crowned the Emperor Henry VI (1190–97) on the day after his election with a ceremony symbolizing his absolute supremacy, as described by Roger of Hoveden, who is believed (more reasonably as it would seem) by Baronius, but discredited by Natalis Alexander. He subsequently excommunicated the same Henry VI for wrongfully keeping Richard I of England (1189–99) in prison. In 1192, he confirmed the statutes of the Teutonic Order of Knights. He would have resigned the Papacy, and recommended a successor (Cardinal Giovanni di San Paolo, OSB) shortly before his death, but was not allowed to do so by the cardinals.

"initial text from the 9th edition (1876) of an old encyclopedia"