The Diocese of Allentown celebrated the feast day of St. Pope John I Wednesday.

“O God, who reward faithful souls and who have consecrated this day by the martyrdom of Pope St. John I, graciously hear the prayers of your people and grant that we, who venerate his merits, may imitate his constancy in the faith,” the diocese posted online. 

St. John I was elected Pope in the year 523, when he was only an archdeacon, according to Catholic.org. Theodoric the Goth ruled Italy at the time. Theodoric endorsed the Arian heresy, which denies the divinity of Christ. Against John's wishes, Theodoric appointed John to lead a delegation to negotiate with Byzantine Emperor Justin I. The mission was a success, although few particulars are known. John's visit healed the schism between the Eastern and Western churches, which had been in place since 482. 

Theodoric grew suspicious of John's new friendly relationship with the other emperor, according to Franciscan Media. Theodoric imprisoned John, and John died a short time later, possibly because of the treatment he received in prison. John died just three years after becoming pope, on May 18, 526. 

St. John I is honored as a martyr, someone who voluntarily chooses death over renunciation of faith, according to Britannica. His feast day is celebrated on May 18, the anniversary of his death. He was born in Tuscany and died in Ravenna.