Pope Celestine V’s Facial Features Reconstructed

words by Carol King The face of the 13th-century Pope Celestine V has been reconstructed in silver using the latest in facial-reconstruction technology. Pope Celestine V founded the Celestines monastic order in the 13th century. He became pope in 1294 and introduced the papal right to abdicate. Pope Celestine V resigned a week afterwards, saying he wanted to return to his humble life as a monk. However, the subsequent pope, Boniface VIII, imprisoned Pope Celestine V and he died in prison nine months later. Pope Celestine V was canonised in 1313 and ever since no pope has taken the name ‘Celestine.’ The original wax mask representing Pope Celestine V was kept at the Basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio in L’Aquila, Abruzzo, where Pope Celestine V was crowned on 29 August 1294. However, it melted during the 2009 earthquake in the area, which destroyed much of the church. Plans to reconstruct the pope’s face were announced in February 2013 and the project has been financed by Aquilano Sergio Tiberti. The pope’s facial features were reconstructed using his death mask and a laser scanner. Silversmith Marino Di Prospero sculpted the silver mask, ensuring Pope Celestine V’s physiognomy will be preserved for posterity. An urn containing the remains of the saint and former pope will go on display at the Basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio. Visitors will be able to see the papal silver mask peeking out from reconstructions of medieval papal vestments, many of which have been donated. Among the garments is a pallium wooden cloak donated by Pope Benedict XVI during his visit to the Basilica after the 2009 earthquake.