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Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran

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The impressive exterior of San Giovanni in Laterano, a historic church in Rome.

Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran

The Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran is a very special church in Rome, Italy. It is the main cathedral for the Diocese of Rome and the home of the pope, the leader of the Catholic Church. This church is different because it is not inside Vatican City; it is about four kilometres away.

People have been praying at this church since the year 324, making it the oldest public church in Rome. Inside, there is a very important chair called the cathedra, which shows the pope’s role as the bishop of Rome. Over many years, fires hurt the building, but it was fixed up again and again.

Today, the church is led by a special leader called a Cardinal Archpriest. One fun tradition is that the president of the French Republic, right now Emmanuel Macron, has a special job as the “First and Only Honorary Canon” of the church. This tradition has been going on for many years, starting with King Henry IV.

The main celebration day for this church is August 6, which marks an important event called the Transfiguration of Christ. The front of the church has big writing in Latin that tells us it is dedicated to Christ the Saviour and the saints John the Baptist and John the Evangelist.

Images

The Lateran Obelisk is an ancient Egyptian monument located in Rome, Italy. It is one of the oldest and largest obelisks in the world.
An inscription in Latin on the façade of the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome, which is one of the most important churches in the world.
Beautiful mosaics inside the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome, showcasing historic art and architecture.
A beautiful 14th century gothic baldacchino inside San Giovanni in Laterano church in Rome.
The grand interior of the Lateran Basilica in Rome, showcasing its impressive architecture and religious artwork.
Interior view of the San Giovanni in Laterano church in Rome, showcasing its beautiful architecture and religious art.
Ornate ceiling of the Basilica San Giovanni in Laterano in Rome, showcasing beautiful religious artwork and architecture.
Side view of the historic San Giovanni in Laterano church in Rome.
A view of the aisle inside the Lateran Basilica in Rome, showcasing its beautiful architecture and historical design.
A beautiful chapel inside the Lateran Basilica in Rome, featuring intricate religious artwork and architecture.
The Papal Throne located in the San Giovanni in Laterano church, an important historical and religious site.
Historical throne in the cloister of the Basilica of San Giovanni in Rome.
A peaceful cloister garden located at the San Giovanni in Laterano church in Rome.
Historical lithograph of the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran from 1825, showcasing its impressive architecture.

Related articles

Rome
Italy
Pope
Catholic Church
Vatican City
Jesus

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