Died: August 2, 686
Give me the scoop on John V.
John V was born in Syria – Antioch, to be specific – and prior to being pope served as one of Pope St. Agatho’s papal legates at the Third Council of Constantinople in 680. Thanks to the agreement wrought by his predecessor, John V was consecrated the same day of his election: July 23, 685.
John was written of highly as being well-educated, energetic, and a fan of moderation, all of which no doubt contributed to his being chosen as Pope No. 82. John V was also extremely generous, having donated 1,900 solidi (4.5-gram gold coins) to assist clergy, monasteries, and houses for the poor.
John reigned for barely a year, dying after an extended illness on August 2, 686. He was buried in St. Peter’s Basilica.
What was he known for?
John V was known for his closeness and familiarity with the goings-on in the imperial court at Constantinople. Thanks to his experience at the Council in 680, John was on great terms with the emperor and his buddies. This friendship allowed him, after being elected, to convince Constantine IV to reduce the tax paid by the Church at papal elections and lift other financial burdens on the Church as well.
Fun Fact…
John V, in addition to being the first pope to not require the emperor’s consent to take office, was also the first of 10 consecutive popes to hail from the East.
What else was going on in the world at the time?
In September of 685, just months after John V took office, Emperor Constantine IV died of dysentery, leaving the throne to his 16-year-old son, Justinian II.
Shoot, and he wasn’t even on the Oregon Trail.
Coming tomorrow….Pope Conon
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SOURCES (and further reading)
John, E. (1964). The Popes: A concise biographical history. New York: Hawthorn Books.
Pope John V – http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08422c.htm
Pope John V – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_John_V
685 – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/685
Sent by Matthew Sewell