Saint John Lateran. The Cathedral of the Most Holy Savior and of Saints John the Baptist and the Evangelist in the Lateran-also known as the Papal Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran, Saint John Lateran, or the Lateran Basilica-is the cathedral church of the Diocese of Rome in the city of Rome and serves as the seat of the Roman Pontiff.
It is the oldest and highest ranking of the four papal major basilicas, holding the unique title of archbasilica. It is the oldest public church in the city of Rome, and the oldest basilica of the Western world.
It houses the cathedra of the Roman bishop, and has the title of ecumenical mother church of the Catholic faithful. The current archpriest is Angelo De Donatis, Vicar General for the Diocese of Rome.
The President of the French Republic, currently Emmanuel Macron, is ex officio the first and only honorary canon of the archbasilica, a title that the heads of state of France have possessed since King Henry IV. The large Latin inscription on the façade reads: Clemens XII Pont Max Anno V Christo Salvatori In Hon SS Ioan Bapt et Evang. This abbreviated inscription translates as: Pope Clement XII, in the fifth year to Christ the Savior, in honor of Saints John the Baptist and the Evangelist.
The inscription indicates, with its full title, that the archbasilica was originally dedicated to Christ the Savior and, centuries later, co-dedicated to Saint John the Bapti
It is the oldest and highest ranking of the four papal major basilicas, holding the unique title of archbasilica. It is the oldest public church in the city of Rome, and the oldest basilica of the Western world.
It houses the cathedra of the Roman bishop, and has the title of ecumenical mother church of the Catholic faithful. The current archpriest is Angelo De Donatis, Vicar General for the Diocese of Rome.
The President of the French Republic, currently Emmanuel Macron, is ex officio the first and only honorary canon of the archbasilica, a title that the heads of state of France have possessed since King Henry IV. The large Latin inscription on the façade reads: Clemens XII Pont Max Anno V Christo Salvatori In Hon SS Ioan Bapt et Evang. This abbreviated inscription translates as: Pope Clement XII, in the fifth year to Christ the Savior, in honor of Saints John the Baptist and the Evangelist.
The inscription indicates, with its full title, that the archbasilica was originally dedicated to Christ the Savior and, centuries later, co-dedicated to Saint John the Bapti
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