The 82nd Pope
John V
John V, the 82nd Pope
Pope John V (685-686) – In this pontificate, we find a very short reign by a very ill pope (reminiscent of Pope John Paul I). Thus, this pope from Syria leaves a very sparse record.
Prior to his election to the papacy, he was a prominent figure in the arena of the major issues of the day. He was a deacon in Rome (most likely, a refugee from the Arab invasions in Syria) and he served the pope as a delegate at the Third Council of Constantinople. While attending the Council, he impressed the emperor with his learning, steadiness, and zeal. He was an important presence at the Council and he was entrusted with conveying the documents of the Council and also bearing the imperial approbation of the election of Pope Leo II. His own election as pope occurred while he was an archdeacon.
Pope John left a generous bequest to the clergy and to other servants of the Church. He is buried in the Basilica of Saint Peter.
Habemus papam