Pope Celestine V: A hermit and an environmentalist

(Vatican Radio) As the Church celebrates the 700th anniversary of the canonization of Pope Celestine V, we look back at the figure of this much-revered Pope who spent the vast majority of his life living as a monk and hermit in Central Italy before being elected to the papacy in 1294. Celestine resigned 5 months later and his remains are buried in the city of Aquila. His tomb was visited by Pope Benedict during his visit to Aquila in 2009 when he laid his pallium on the casket.

Listen to the following report by Susy Hodges that explores the figure of Celestine V as a hermit and environmentalist and includes a reflection by George Ferzoco, an expert on medieval religious culture, at Bristol University in England: