St. Martin I, Pope and Martyr

St. Martin I (c. 590 - 655 AD) was the 74th Pope of the Catholic Church, reigning from 649 until his death. Born in Todi, Italy, he was known for his staunch defense of orthodox Christianity against the Monothelite heresy. As Pope, he convened the Lateran Council in 649, which condemned Monothelitism. This led to his arrest and exile by the Byzantine Emperor Constans II. Martin I died in captivity in Cherson (modern-day Crimea), becoming a martyr for the faith. He is venerated as the last Pope to die as a martyr.