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Basilica of Saint John Lateran: Difference between revisions
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The Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran (officially the Major Papal, Patriarchal and Roman Archbasilica, Metropolitan and Primatial Cathedral of the Most Holy Savior and Saints John the Baptist and the Evangelist in Lateran, Mother and Head of All Churches in Rome and in the World), commonly known as Saint John Lateran Basilica, is the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome and serves as the ecclesiastical seat of the Bishop of Rome (the Pope). It holds the unique status of being the mother and head of all churches in the Catholic world, with the motto "Omnium Ecclesiarum Urbis et Orbis Mater et Caput" (Mother and Head of All Churches of the City and the World).<ref>According to the official basilica website (basilicasangiovanni.va) and Wikipedia entry on the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran.</ref> | The Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran (officially the Major Papal, Patriarchal and Roman Archbasilica, Metropolitan and Primatial Cathedral of the Most Holy Savior and Saints John the Baptist and the Evangelist in Lateran, Mother and Head of All Churches in Rome and in the World), commonly known as Saint John Lateran Basilica, is the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome and serves as the ecclesiastical seat of the Bishop of Rome (the Pope). It holds the unique status of being the mother and head of all churches in the Catholic world, with the motto "Omnium Ecclesiarum Urbis et Orbis Mater et Caput" (Mother and Head of All Churches of the City and the World).<ref>According to the official basilica website (basilicasangiovanni.va) and Wikipedia entry on the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran.</ref> | ||
Founded in | Founded in 324 by Emperor Constantine the Great, who donated the site from the former Lateran Palace (previously confiscated property), it is the oldest public church in Rome and the oldest basilica in the Western world. Consecrated that year by Pope Sylvester I initially to Christ the Savior, it later received additional dedications to Saint John the Baptist (9th century, under Pope Sergius III) and Saint John the Evangelist (12th century, under Pope Lucius II).<ref>Ibid.; also referenced in historical accounts from the Vatican and reliable sources on Constantinian basilicas.</ref> | ||
As a major papal basilica and the cathedral of Rome, it is not a typical territorial parish but functions with pastoral elements, including regular Masses, community services, and events. It features a Holy Door and hosts significant liturgical celebrations, including the annual Feast of its Dedication on November 9. The basilica has undergone multiple reconstructions due to fires, earthquakes, and renovations, with major Baroque transformations in the 17th century by Francesco Borromini and the neoclassical façade completed in 1735 by Alessandro Galilei.<ref>Official basilica site sections on history and architecture; Wikipedia and secondary historical sources.</ref> | As a major papal basilica and the cathedral of Rome, it is not a typical territorial parish but functions with pastoral elements, including regular Masses, community services, and events. It features a Holy Door and hosts significant liturgical celebrations, including the annual Feast of its Dedication on November 9. The basilica has undergone multiple reconstructions due to fires, earthquakes, and renovations, with major Baroque transformations in the 17th century by Francesco Borromini and the neoclassical façade completed in 1735 by Alessandro Galilei.<ref>Official basilica site sections on history and architecture; Wikipedia and secondary historical sources.</ref> | ||
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==History== | ==History== | ||
The Archbasilica was established in | The Archbasilica was established in 324 AD on the site of the Lateran Palace, donated by Emperor Constantine after the Edict of Milan (313) granted religious freedom to Christians. The land originally belonged to the Laterani family and was confiscated under Nero; Constantine acquired it through marriage and gifted it to Pope Miltiades, with construction and dedication under Pope Sylvester I.<ref>Verified from multiple historical sources, including the basilica's official website and scholarly references to Constantinian foundations.</ref> | ||
The original Constantinian structure was rebuilt several times after destructions, including an earthquake in 896 and fires. Significant medieval elements include the 5th-century octagonal baptistery and the 13th-century apse mosaic. Major renovations occurred in the 17th century under Pope Innocent X, with Borromini redesigning the interior in Baroque style. The grand façade with statues of Christ, the two Saints John, and Doctors of the Church was added in the 18th century.<ref>Ibid.</ref> | The original Constantinian structure was rebuilt several times after destructions, including an earthquake in 896 and fires. Significant medieval elements include the 5th-century octagonal baptistery and the 13th-century apse mosaic. Major renovations occurred in the 17th century under Pope Innocent X, with Borromini redesigning the interior in Baroque style. The grand façade with statues of Christ, the two Saints John, and Doctors of the Church was added in the 18th century.<ref>Ibid.</ref> | ||