Pope John V, though his papacy was short due to ill health, made significant contributions by supporting the clergy, monasteries, and lay ministers of the Church. His leadership also emphasized unity, particularly with the Eastern traditions, and played a pivotal role in the proceedings of the Third Council of Constantinople.

Pope John V's reign was short-lived due to his ill health. Like Pope Leo II, he was consecrated on July 23, AD 685, by the bishops of Rome's neighboring dioceses of Ostia, Porto, and Velletri.

Pope John V dismissed the bishop of Sardinia from his position for appointing a new bishop in his province without Rome's authorization. He was known for his generosity toward the clergy and his significant support for monasteries. During his pontificate, he focused on encouraging generous contributions to support the upliftment of priests, monasteries, and lay ministers within the Church.

Pope John V’s life before his election was more eventful than his papacy. A Syrian from Antioch, now part of Turkey, he was among those who sought refuge in Italy as the invasion of Turkey by the Caliphate escalated. John V was part of a wave of popes from the Eastern tradition, with the next ten popes, including him, hailing from this background. He was also the first to become pope under an agreement between Pope Benedict II and Emperor Constantine IV, which ensured that the chosen successor to Peter would be recognized as pope immediately upon election.

Pope John V was well-versed in Greek and, as a deacon, was one of three delegates sent by Pope Agathon to the Third Council of Constantinople. He played a crucial role in the council’s discussions and proceedings. After returning to Rome, he brought back a copy of the council’s decisions, along with Emperor Constantine IV’s approval of Pope Leo II's election. Pope John V was hence unanimously elected as pope while still serving as an archdeacon.

After an eventful papacy, Pope John V passed away on August 2, AD 686. His mortal remains were laid to rest in St. Peter's Basilica.