Pope John VIII

Pope John VIII, who served from 872 to 882, was the first pope to officially use the title "Pope" in the sense recognized today. His papacy was marked by significant political and cultural challenges, including conflicts with the expanding Muslim territories and the Byzantine Empire. He is known for supporting the missionary work of Saints Cyril and Methodius, promoting the use of Slavic languages in liturgy, which was a pivotal moment for Slavic Christianity. John VIII also issued important decrees to strengthen the papacy's authority and engaged in diplomatic relationships with various European powers of his time.