Saint John I
Stored in Cargo: Saint John I
| Saint John I | |
| Feast Day | May 18 |
|---|---|
| Liturgical Class | |
| Patronage | None officially designated |
| Birthplace | Siena, Tuscany, Italy |
| Death Place | Ravenna, Italy |
| Cause of Death | Martyrdom, starvation and neglect in prison |
| Primary Shrine | Basilica of St. Peter, Rome, Italy |
Saint John I (c. 470 – May 18, 526) was a saint and Pope of the Roman Catholic Church from 523 to 526, revered as a martyr for his steadfast faith. Born in Siena, Tuscany, Italy, he rose from archdeacon to pope during a turbulent era marked by the Arian heresy and political tensions between the Ostrogothic Kingdom and the Byzantine Empire. Sent by King Theodoric the Great to Constantinople to negotiate leniency for Arian Christians, John successfully restored relations with Emperor Justin I, ending the Acacian Schism and uniting the Eastern and Western churches. However, his refusal to fully support Arianism led to his imprisonment by Theodoric in Ravenna, where he died of starvation and neglect. His feast day is celebrated on May 18 in the Roman Catholic Church and Eastern Orthodox traditions.
John’s papacy, though brief, had lasting impact, particularly in reconciling the Latin and Greek churches and affirming the Eucharist in the Latin Rite at Hagia Sophia. His martyrdom underscored his commitment to orthodoxy over political expediency, earning him veneration in Ravenna, Tuscany, and beyond. The Liber Pontificalis credits him with repairing martyrs’ cemeteries, reflecting his dedication to the faithful. His legacy as the first pope to visit Constantinople and his depiction in art behind prison bars highlight his sacrifice and enduring influence in the Roman Catholic Church.
Biography
Birth
Saint John I was born around 470 in Siena, Tuscany, Italy, possibly in the “Castello di Serena” near Chiusdino. Little is known of his family, though some sources suggest his father was named Constantius. His birthplace in Tuscany, a region rich in early Christian communities, shaped his formative years during the decline of the Western Roman Empire.
Growing up in a time of religious and political upheaval, John was likely exposed to the tensions between orthodox Roman Catholics and Arian Christians, who dominated under Ostrogothic rule. His early life in Siena laid the foundation for his ecclesiastical career, leading him to serve as an archdeacon in Rome before his election as pope.
Early Life
John’s early life is sparsely documented, but he entered the clergy at a young age, becoming an archdeacon in Rome by the late 5th century. As a deacon, he briefly supported Antipope Laurentius against Pope Symmachus but later repented, confessing his error in a 506 libellus and seeking pardon. He is likely the “Deacon John” who signed the acta of the Roman Synods at the Diocese of Rome in 499 and 502, given the limited number of deacons at the time.
His role as a deacon involved administrative and liturgical duties, and he may have authored religious tractates between 512 and 520. These experiences honed his theological insight and diplomatic skills, preparing him for the challenges of his papacy during a period of schism and Ostrogothic dominance in Italy.
Occupation
Before his papacy, John served as an archdeacon in Rome, a significant role overseeing church administration, charity, and liturgy. His work included managing the Diocese’s resources and supporting the poor, aligning with the Roman Catholic emphasis on service. His involvement in synods and possible authorship of theological texts suggest a blend of pastoral and intellectual labor.
As pope, John’s “occupation” shifted to leading the universal Church, a role that demanded diplomatic finesse amid tensions between Arian Ostrogoths and orthodox Byzantines. His mission to Constantinople and efforts to maintain church cemeteries reflect his commitment to both spiritual leadership and preserving Christian heritage, despite his frail health.
Vocation
John’s vocation culminated in his election as Pope on August 13, 523, succeeding Pope Hormisdas. His papacy focused on healing the Acacian Schism (484–519), which had divided the Eastern and Western churches. In 525, King Theodoric, an Arian, compelled the frail John to lead a delegation to Constantinople to urge Emperor Justin I to soften anti-Arian measures. Accompanied by bishops and senators, John was warmly received, crowned Justin, and celebrated the Eucharist in the Latin Rite at Hagia Sophia on Easter 526, reinforcing Catholic unity.
His success in restoring communion with Eastern patriarchs (except Alexandria’s Timothy) and ratifying the Alexandrian Easter computation strengthened the Church. However, his refusal to fully endorse Arianism enraged Theodoric, leading to John’s martyrdom. His vocation was defined by fidelity to orthodoxy, even at the cost of his life.
Death
Saint John I met his end on May 18, 526, in Ravenna, Italy, dying of starvation and neglect in prison, earning him recognition as a martyr. After returning from Constantinople, where he had reconciled the churches but resisted Arian concessions, Theodoric, suspecting collusion with Justin, imprisoned him. Already frail, John succumbed to harsh conditions, possibly exacerbated by the recent execution of his friend, the philosopher Boethius.
His body was transported to Rome and buried in the Basilica of St. Peter, where he is venerated as a martyr. His death, a consequence of his refusal to compromise the Roman Catholic faith, solidified his legacy as a defender of orthodoxy, inspiring devotion in Tuscany, Ravenna, and the Eastern Orthodox Church.
Significant events
- Elected Pope on August 13, 523, succeeding Pope Hormisdas.
- Led a diplomatic mission to Constantinople in 525, ending the Acacian Schism and restoring East-West church unity.
- Celebrated the Eucharist in the Latin Rite at Hagia Sophia on Easter Day, April 19, 526.
- Imprisoned by King Theodoric in Ravenna in 526, dying as a martyr on May 18.
Significant locations
Legend
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Parishes
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Canonization
Servant of God
The formal process to recognize Saint John I as a Servant of God is undocumented, as his veneration predates the modern canonization process established in the 12th century. His martyrdom in 526 prompted immediate recognition by early Christian communities, particularly in Rome and Ravenna, as a defender of the faith.
Venerable
John I was not formally declared Venerable, as his sainthood was affirmed through pre-Congregation practices. His death as a martyr and contributions to church unity led to widespread veneration by the 6th century, with no need for a distinct Venerable stage.
Beatification
No formal beatification process is recorded for Saint John I, as his recognition as a saint emerged organically after his martyrdom. His cult was established in Tuscany and Ravenna, with his feast day observed by the 7th century, reflecting early Christian devotion.
Canonization
Saint John I was canonized through pre-Congregation processes, likely shortly after his death in 526. No specific canonization date, canonizer, or location is recorded, as his sainthood was affirmed by popular devotion and ecclesiastical recognition. His inclusion in the Roman Martyrology and liturgical calendars, with a feast day of May 18, confirms his status as a saint.
Miracles
No specific miracles are documented for Saint John I’s beatification or canonization, as his veneration as a martyr predates the formal requirement of miracles. His martyrdom itself was considered a testament to his sanctity, sufficient for early Christian recognition.
Miracle for beatification
No miracle is recorded, as John I’s recognition as a saint occurred before the modern canonization process.
Miracle for canonization
No miracle is recorded, as his sainthood was established through early Christian tradition based on his martyrdom.
Other notable miracles
- None specifically attributed, though his successful mission to Constantinople and survival of the arduous journey despite frailty were seen as providential by contemporaries.
Patronage
Saint John I has no officially designated patronage, though he is often invoked by those facing persecution for their faith due to his martyrdom.
Feast day
Saint John I’s feast day is celebrated on May 18 in the Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, and Byzantine Rite, marking the anniversary of his martyrdom. In the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, it was formerly observed on May 27, the date his body was returned to Rome.
Veneration
Saint John I is venerated through prayers and liturgies, particularly in Ravenna, Tuscany, and Rome, where his relics rest in the Basilica of St. Peter. Devotees honor him as a martyr who upheld orthodoxy against Arian heresy. His depiction in art, often behind prison bars with a deacon and subdeacon, symbolizes his sacrifice. Pilgrimages to his tomb and churches dedicated to him in Italy reflect his enduring legacy.
John’s influence is evident in his recognition by the Eastern Orthodox and Byzantine Rite churches, which celebrate his role in reuniting the churches. The Liber Pontificalis notes his repairs to martyrs’ cemeteries, such as those of Nereus, Achilleus, and Priscilla, enhancing his veneration as a caretaker of Christian heritage. Annual feasts on May 18 draw devotees, especially in Siena and Ravenna, celebrating his courage and faith.
Books
Written about the saint
- The Liber Pontificalis: Text, Translation, and Commentary by Raymond Davis
- History of the Popes: Their Church and State by Leopold von Ranke
Written by the saint
- None recorded, though two apocryphal letters to Archbishop Zacharias and Italian bishops are attributed to him in his Bullarium.
External links
- Saint John I at CatholicSaints.Info
- Saint John I at Catholic Online
- Pope St. John I in the Catholic Encyclopedia
- Pope John I at Wikipedia
References
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