In celebrating the feast day of St. Pope John I on Wednesday, the Diocese of Gaylord called on people to show more compassion for others.

“Today is the Feast of St. John I, pope and martyr,” the diocese posted on social media. “Let us pray for the grace to show compassion to those who disagree with us while not sacrificing our values.” 

St. John I, born in Tuscany, was noted for being a peacemaker.

He was elected Pope in the year 523, when he was still only an archdeacon.

Theodoric the Goth ruled Italy at the time. Theodoric endorsed the Arian heresy, which denies the divinity of Christ. Against John's wishes, according to Catholic.org, Theodoric appointed John to lead a delegation tasked with negotiating with Byzantine Emperor Justin I. Although few particulars of the deal are known, John’s visit healed the schism between the Eastern and Western churches, which had been in place since 482. 

The success bred suspicion in Theodoric’s mind, because of John’s newfound friendly relationship with the other emperor, Franciscan Media relates. Theodoric imprisoned John, and John died a short time later, possibly because of the treatment he received in prison. John died just three years after becoming pope. 

St. John I is honored as a martyr, someone who voluntarily chooses death over renunciation of faith, Britannica says. His feast day is celebrated on May 18, the anniversary of his death in 526.