John IV

John IV (born, Dalmatia [now in Croatia]—died Oct. 12, 642, Rome) was the pope from 640 to 642. A Roman archdeacon, John was elected (Dec. 24, 640) as successor to Pope Severinus. He perpetuated Severinus’ condemnation of monothelitism, a 7th-century heresy concerning the will of Christ. He sent an emissary to redeem Balkan Christians captured during Slavic invasions. John was against the date for Easter favoured by Celts in Ireland, and he defended the highly...