Birthplace
Rome
Pope from
17 July 561
Pope until
13 July 574
Died
13 July 574
Who he was
John, surnamed Catelinus, was a Roman of good family, the son of Anastasius. He was consecrated in July 561 after five months' wait for the emperor's confirmation. Although he reigned nearly thirteen years, very little is known of him, as most records of the time were lost during the Lombard invasion.
What he is remembered for
He persuaded the general Narses, the chief defender of Italy, to return with him to Rome in 571. For a time he lived in the catacomb of Praetextatus, even holding ordinations there, and afterwards had the catacombs repaired and supplied for Mass. An old inscription remembered him as generous in hard times.
Sources
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