John I was a 6th-century bishop of Rome who served as pope from 523 until his death in 526. Born in Siena, he previously served as a deacon in Rome, where he was associated with the philosopher Boethius. His papacy was defined by a significant diplomatic mission to Constantinople, where he sought to advocate for the Arian community under the direction of the Ostrogoth King Theodoric. Despite his efforts to mediate between the Eastern and Western religious authorities, his return to Italy resulted in his imprisonment and eventual death.