The Pope John II reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Apr-2004 (provided by Fixed Reference: snapshots of Wikipedia from wikipedia.org)

Pope John II

John II, was pope (533 - 535. His name at birth was Mercurius, and was the son of Projectus, born in Rome on the Caelian Hill. He was made pope January 2, 533.

He was the first pope to adopt a new name upon elevation to the papacy. At the outset of his pontificate, John II secured from Athalaric, king of the Ostrogoths in Italy, confirmation of the decree against simony (the purchace or sale of church offices or preferment) that had been issued by the Roman Senate. The Following year John obtained a profession of orthodox faith from the Byxantine emperor Justinian I the Great, a significant accomplishment in light of the strength of Monophysitism in the Byzantine Empire at that time.

The Liber Pontificalis records that he received a personal profession of faith from the emperor Justinian I, as well as valuable gifts. He died May 8, 535.

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Preceded by: Pope Boniface II

List of popes

Succeeded by: Pope Agapetus I

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