Birthplace
Tuscany
Pope from
13 August 523
Pope until
18 May 526
Died
18 May 526
Who he was
John was a Tuscan, the son of Constantius, elected in August 523. Little is known of his government in Rome. In 525 the Arian king Theodoric forced him to lead an embassy to Constantinople to persuade the Emperor Justin to ease his measures against the Arians.
What he is remembered for
In Constantinople he was received with great honour and celebrated Easter in the Latin rite in Hagia Sophia in 526. On his return Theodoric, angered at the outcome, had him imprisoned at Ravenna, where he died of hardship. The Church honours him as a martyr.
He is honoured by the Church as Saint. Read his page in the dictionary of saints.
Sources
All popes · Home · All saints