On 9th of November, the church celebrated the anniversary of the Dedication of Rome’s Lateran Basilica in 324 A.D. In that year, Pope Sylvester established his cathedral and residence on property given to the Church by the Emperor Constantine. As the Cathedral of the Bishop of Rome and the Pope, it is the highest-ranking church in the world.
How did the Lateran Basilica get its name?
The Lateranus family (the Laterini) had owned the property until it was confiscated by the Emperor Nero, who accused the family of conspiracy. From this origin, the place acquired the name the Lateran. It remained in imperial hands for 250 years until Constantine donated it to Pope Sylvester following the Edict of Milan in 313 A.D.
Why the basilica is also called St. John Lateran?
It was dedicated to St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist, so the reference is to the two Johns associated with Our Lord. They became associated with the Basilica owing to the monks from the monastery of St. John the Baptist and St. John the Divine who served there.
When was the Lateran Basilica built?
After the Emperor Constantine legalized the Faith, he gave various imperial properties around Rome to Pope Sylvester for Church use. These included those of the Lateran and the Vatican. Upon the former, the Pope built his cathedral and residence. The Lateran was completed in 324 A.D., and although rebuilt over time, it has been in continuous service as the cathedra, or seat of authority, of the popes since then.
Why is the Lateran Basilica important?
The Lateran Basilica is known as the “Mother of all the Churches of Rome and of the world,” as inscribed in Latin on the basilica’s facade. It is thus ranked first and most important of the four major basilicas in Rome, as well, and, owing to its preeminence, it is also uniquely an archbasilica.
Is the Lateran Palace the same as the Lateran Basilica?
The Lateran Palace and the Basilica of St. John Lateran are not the same. The basilica is the pope’s cathedral, and the adjacent palace was originally his residence. Although the Lateran Palace was used as a residence by the popes until the 1800s, the reunification of Italy in 1870 forced Pope Pius IX into refuge in the Vatican, which has remained the papal residence since. Today the Lateran Palace continues as the offices of the Diocese of Rome and where the pope’s Cardinal Vicar for Rome administers it in the pope’s name. Located there, as well, is Pontifical Lateran University, whose chancellor is the Cardinal Vicar.
(Source – EWTN)
