Saint John I, Pope and Martyr

Saint John I was the Pope who succeeded Pope Hormisda on August 15, 523. He is known as John Deacon, author of an Epistle ad Senarium, which is important for the history of the baptismal liturgy. This epistle attests to the tradition of the Roman Church of erecting and consecrating seven altars on Holy Saturday and pouring a mixture of milk and honey into the chalice. Furthermore, João Deácono is also recognized as the author of the treatise The Catholic Faith, transmitted by the ancients among the works of Severino Boécio.

Struggle for Peace between Rome and Constantinople

When John became pope five years ago, Emperor Justin – Justinian's uncle – and Pope Hormisda had brought to an end the Schism between Rome and Constantinople, which had been broken in 484 by Emperor Zeno's Henoticon. This schism had attempted an impossible compromise between Catholics and Monophysites.

In 524, Emperor Justin published an edict in which he ordered the closure of the Arian churches in Constantinople and the exclusion of heretics from all civil and military function. Then, Theodoric forced Pope John I to go to Constantinople to request the revocation of the decree.

Exceptional Manifestations of Attention

The expressions of attention that the Pope received on that occasion were exceptional: 15,000 people came out to meet him with candles and crosses. Pope John I presided over the solemn functions of Christmas and Easter.

Emperor Justin adhered to Pope John I's request to return the confiscated churches to the Arians, but insisted on depriving the rights of Arians converted to Catholicism who once again became Arians.

Death of John I

Because of this, the suspect Theodoric had Boethius and Symmachus killed. Pope John I was thrown into prison in Ravenna, where he died on May 18, 526.

Saint John I was a Pope who fought for peace between Rome and Constantinople. He was a religious leader who inspired many people with his determination and faith.