Celestine IV
Goffredo Castiglioni · 1241 – 1241
Elected after a brutal conclave but died before his consecration, serving as pope for only seventeen days.
Goffredo was a Milanese nobleman, a nephew of Urban III, and a Cistercian cardinal. He was elected in a conclave that took place while Emperor Frederick II was threatening Rome. The cardinals were few and the election was strained. Celestine was already old and ill when chosen. He died seventeen days later, before he could even be consecrated. His death led to an eighteen-month vacancy as the cardinals could not agree on a successor while Frederick II hovered nearby.
Seventeen Days
Celestine IV was pope for just over two weeks and never even had time to be consecrated. His election took place under imperial threat, and his death left the Church leaderless for a year and a half. It was one of the lowest points in the history of papal elections.