John II was the Bishop of Rome from 533 until his death in 535. Born Mercurius in Rome, he is recognized as the first pope to choose a new name upon his election to the papacy. Before his leadership of the Church, he served as a priest at the Basilica of Saint Clement, where he provided significant financial support and commissioned various artistic works. His short reign was marked by significant ecclesiastical decisions regarding theological disputes and the discipline of clergy.