04 March 2010

Lentorama 2010: Two Millenia of Pointy Hats

Day 14: John V (685-686)

Remember how I mentioned last time that there was a time when popes had to be approved by the Byzantine emperor before they could be consecrated? Well, that ended with John V, thanks to the decision by Constantine IV to end the practice. John V was the first of a string of 10 popes to come from the east, so it could just be that Constantine felt that there was enough Byzantine influence in the process without requiring confirmation on top of things.

Not surprisingly, relations between Rome and Byzantium improved during John's short reign. His death sparked a brief conflict over succession, as the clergy and the military had different ideas on who should be elected. Stalemate ensued, leading the election of Conon, who was neither group's first choice.

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