Pope John V

John V was of Syrian descent, born near Antioch, part of a notable wave of Eastern-origin popes in this period reflecting refugees and settlers fleeing the Arab conquests. As a deacon he had served as a papal legate at the Third Council of Constantinople, where he helped represent Rome in condemning Monothelitism. Elected by the unified acclamation of clergy, militia, and people of Rome, he was the first pope consecrated under the streamlined procedure won by Benedict II. Illness marked most of his short reign. He confirmed ecclesiastical privileges, notably regarding Sardinia, before his death.