Papacy of Pope John IV begins 640

walwyn mar, 04/09/2013 - 21:05
mardi, November 24, 0640

Following the death of Pope Severinus on the 2nd of August, John IV was elected pope on the 24th of November 640. Is confirmation as pope happened shortly afterwards, too soon for approval from Emperor Heraclius in Constantinople and it is assumed that the confirmation was given by the Exarch of Ravenna.

At the time of his accession to the papacy John's homeland of Dalmatia was being invaded by Slavs, and John sent a lot of money to pay the Slavic invaders for the release of captives. The widespread destruction of churches in Dalmatia resulted in many of the relics of local saints being sent Rome for safe keeping.