July 27
Celestine V (1214–1296)
Pope
This saint became famous because he was the only Pope to have resigned from his position.
Biography
After the death of Pope Nicholas IV in 1292, the cardinals spent many months without agreeing to choose a successor. Finally they chose the hermit monk Pietro Celestino, about eighty years old, whom many already venerated as a saint. He obediently accepted and was consecrated bishop of Rome with the name Celestine V.
He soon realized that he was not prepared for the position: he did not know enough Latin and the laws of the Church, and his trust in the good intentions of everyone led him to make poor decisions. After a few months he published a decree that recognized the right of the Supreme Pontiff to resign, he gathered the cardinals and presented his resignation.
His successor, Boniface VIII, fearing a schism, confined him to the castle of Fumone, where he died. Celestino accepted that cell with peace: "The only thing I wanted in this world was a cell, and they gave me a cell." This man sanctified his failure in his life.
Practical advice
Humbly recognize your own limitation and ask for help before it harms others.