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John IV
Mosaic portrait in the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls, Rome. Photo: Unknown authorUnknown author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Popes

John IV

The 72nd pope

Birthplace
Dalmatia
Pope from
640
Pope until
12 October 642
Died
12 October 642

Who he was

John was a Dalmatian, the son of the advocate Venantius, and archdeacon of Rome when he was elected. His reign lasted about two years.

What he is remembered for

When the Slavs ravaged his homeland he sent the abbot Martin with large sums to ransom captives, brought relics of Dalmatian saints to Rome and built an oratory for them that still stands. While still pope-elect he joined in writing to the clergy of the north of Ireland about the date of Easter and warning them against Pelagianism. He condemned the teaching that Christ has only one will and defended the memory of Honorius I.

Sources

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