Pope Saint John I

Memorial: 18 May
formerly 27 May
Profile: Priest in Rome. 53rd pope in 523. Italy's ruler, Theodoric the Goth, was an Arian. For a while he let Catholics alone, but in later life became suspicious of everyone, imagining conspiracies and attempts to seize his throne. He tried to involve Pope John in his political machinations. John led a delegation to Constantinople to negotiate with Emperor Justin I; he was the first pope to travel to Constantinople, and while there crowned Justin. The mission was successful, but Theodoric thought John and Justin I had plotted against him. While returning to Rome, John was kidnapped and imprisoned by Theodoric's soldiers; he died in custody.
Born: in Populonia, Tuscany, Italy
Papal Ascension: 13 August 523
Died: 18 May 526 of thirst and starvation in prison in Ravenna, Italy of natural causes
Name Meaning: God is gracious; gift of God
Canonized: Pre-Congregation
Additional Information: Google Directory
Catholic Online
Popes Through the Ages, by Joseph Brusher
Catholic Encyclopedia
For All The Saints, by Katherine Rabenstein
Ecole Glossary
New Catholic Dictionary
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