About Pope Saint John I
John I served as pope from 523 to 526 amid tensions between the Arian Ostrogothic king Theodoric and the Byzantine emperor Justin I. Sent unwillingly to Constantinople on a diplomatic mission, he was later imprisoned by Theodoric at Ravenna and died from harsh treatment. The Church honors him as a martyr.
Prayer
Pray with Pope Saint John I
Lord of the Church, you sustained Pope Saint John I through political pressure, imprisonment, and death. Through his intercession, give church leaders courage joined to prudence, protect those used as pawns by the powerful, and make us faithful to Christ when peace is costly. Amen.
