Pope John IV (died October 12, 642) was elected pope, after a four-month sede vacante, December 24, 640. Pope John was a native of Dalmatia (probably in the town of Salona). He was the son of the scholasticus (advocate) Venantius. At the time of his election he was archdeacon of the Roman Church, an important role in governing the see. As John's consecration (on December 24) followed very soon after his election, it is supposed that the papal elections were being confirmed by the Exarch of Ravenna rather than by the Emperor in Constantinople. John was buried in the Basilica of St. Peter.