San Giovanni in Laterano Basilica
History
The Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano, also known as the Lateran Basilica, is one of the four major basilicas in Rome, Italy. Its full official name is "Archbasilica of the Most Holy Savior and Saints John the Baptist and the Evangelist in the Lateran, Cathedral of Rome." It is the oldest and ranks first among the four Papal Basilicas and four Major Basilicas of Rome. It holds the highest ecclesiastical ranking of all Roman Catholic churches, including the Vatican.
The Lateran Basilica is the cathedral of the Bishop of Rome, the Pope, and is thus the ecumenical mother church of the Roman Catholic faithful. The current archpriest of the basilica is Cardinal Archpriest Angelo De Donatis, Vicar General for the Diocese of Rome. The President of the French Republic is ex officio the "first and only honorary canon" of the basilica, a title held by the heads of the French state since King Henry IV of France.
Architecture
The Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano is a masterpiece of architecture and art. Its architecture is primarily Baroque, with elements of the original Early Christian basilica incorporated into the design. The basilica's facade, designed by Alessandro Galilei in 1735, is a classic example of Italian Baroque architecture. The facade is adorned with large statues of Christ, John the Baptist, John the Evangelist, and the Doctors of the Church.
The basilica's interior is equally impressive, with a nave and two aisles separated by columns of granite. The nave is adorned with statues of the Apostles, designed by various artists under the direction of Camillo Rusconi. The basilica's ceiling, designed by Cavaliere d'Arpino, is a magnificent gold-coffered barrel vault.
The basilica's high altar, which is not used for liturgical celebrations, houses the wooden altar on which, according to tradition, Saint Peter celebrated Mass. The altar is enclosed in a towering baldachin, designed by Giovanni Battista Soria and decorated with angels and putti.
The basilica also houses the Lateran Baptistery, one of the oldest baptisteries in the world, and the Sancta Sanctorum, the personal chapel of the early Popes, which houses some of the most important relics in Christendom.
Importance
The Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano is not just an architectural masterpiece, but also a place of immense religious significance. As the cathedral of the Bishop of Rome, it is the Pope's church and thus holds a special place in the heart of every Catholic. The basilica has been the site of five ecumenical councils and numerous other important events in the history of the Church.
The basilica is also a major pilgrimage site. Every year, thousands of pilgrims from around the world visit the basilica to pray, attend Mass, and venerate the many relics housed in the basilica.