John III
Pope John III, born Catelinus, served as bishop of Rome from 561 to 574. His pontificate was largely defined by external events beyond his control, notably the death of Emperor Justinian I and the devastating Lombard invasion of Italy. Facing unrest due to his actions to counter the Lombard threat, he was forced to temporarily retire from Rome.
Key Facts
- ›Born Catelinus into a distinguished Roman family.
- ›Father Anastasius was a member of the Roman Senate.
- ›Pontificate marked by the death of Emperor Justinian I and the Lombard invasion of Italy.
- ›Forced to temporarily leave Rome due to unrest.
- ›Died on July 13, 574.
- Elected and Consecrated As Pope On July 17, 561.
- Took the Name John Upon Accession.
- Appealed To Narses To Return To Italy To Counter the Lombard Invasion.
- Retired From Rome To the Catacombs Due To Popular Unrest.
- Restored Two Bishops, Salonius of Embrun and Sagittarius of Gap, To Their Sees.
- Consecrated Bishops While Residing Outside Rome.
Pelagius I, Justinian I, Avars, Persians, Arabs, Lombards, Longinus, Narses, Justus Ii, Guntram of Burgundy
About John III
Pope John III
Pope John III, born Catelinus, served as the Bishop of Rome from July 17, 561, until his death on July 13, 574. He hailed from a distinguished Roman family; his father, Anastasius, held the title of vir illustris, indicating a high rank within the Roman Senate.
Life and Historical Context
John III's pontificate occurred during a period of significant upheaval in Italy. His papacy was largely defined by two major, uncontrollable events: the death of Emperor Justinian I in 565, which caused the Eastern Roman Empire to divert its attention to other pressing matters, and the beginning of the Lombard invasion of Italy in 568. The Lombards rapidly overran much of northern and central Italy, destabilizing imperial administration and repeatedly threatening the survival of Rome itself. Their arrival also reintroduced Arianism, posing a challenge to the dominance of Trinitarian Christianity.
Papal Actions and Challenges
In response to the escalating Lombard threat, Pope John III took the initiative to seek the assistance of the former governor, Narses, who was preparing to return to Constantinople. John implored Narses to take charge in Italy. While Narses agreed and returned, popular resentment towards him extended to the Pope, leading to unrest that compelled John III to withdraw from Rome and reside in the catacombs along the Via Appia. From this location, he continued to perform his papal duties, including the consecration of bishops.
Notable Decisions
One recorded action of Pope John III involved the bishops Salonius of Embrun and Sagittarius of Gap, who had been condemned in a synod. After persuading King Guntram of Burgundy that they had been unjustly condemned, they appealed to the Pope. Influenced by letters from King Guntram, John III decreed their restoration to their episcopal sees.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Pope John III before becoming pope?
Before becoming pope, his birth name was Catelinus. He was born in Rome to a distinguished family; his father, Anastasius, was a high-ranking member of the Roman Senate.
What major events defined Pope John III's papacy?
His pontificate was significantly shaped by two major events over which he had no control: the death of Emperor Justinian I in 565, which shifted the Eastern Roman Empire's focus away from Italy, and the Lombard invasion of Italy, which began in 568 and severely disrupted imperial administration and threatened Rome.
Why did Pope John III have to leave Rome?
Pope John III went to Naples to ask the former governor Narses to return to take charge in Italy against the Lombard invasion. However, popular hatred of Narses was extended to John for inviting him back, leading to unrest so severe that the pope was forced to retire from Rome and take up residence in the catacombs.
What was Pope John III's role in the case of Salonius and Sagittarius?
Two bishops, Salonius of Embrun and Sagittarius of Gap, who had been condemned, appealed to Pope John III after persuading King Guntram of Burgundy of their unjust condemnation. Influenced by King Guntram's letters, Pope John decided they should be restored to their sees.
Related Popes
Agapetus I
Pope Agapetus I served as bishop of Rome from May 535 until his death in April 536. He is known for his diplomatic mission to Constantinople, where he unsuccessfully attempted to dissuade Emperor Justinian I from invading the Ostrogoth kingdom. During his time in Constantinople, Agapetus also deposed the patriarch Anthimus I and consecrated his successor, Menas.
Hormisdas
Pope Hormisdas, bishop of Rome from 514 to 523, is primarily remembered for his successful efforts to resolve the Acacian schism. This schism, initiated by Acacius of Constantinople's attempt to appease non-Chalcedonians, had divided the Eastern and Western churches. Hormisdas's papacy saw the eventual reunion of Constantinople and Rome, ratified in 519.
John I
Pope John I, bishop of Rome from 523 to 526, was instrumental in standardizing the Western Church's calculation of Easter. He was sent by King Theoderic to Constantinople on a diplomatic mission concerning Arians. Despite initial success, he was imprisoned upon his return and died due to neglect and ill-treatment.