Religious Building
Basilica of St John Lateran (Cathedral)
In Profile
- Feast Date: 9 November
- Building: Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano
- Location: Rome
- In 313, the Edict of Milan granted religious freedom, including the Christians, within the Roman Empire. Before 313, religious followers were persecuted.
- Emperor Constantine became the first Christian emperor. He donated the Lateran Palace to become the seat of the Bishop of Rome, who is the Pope. It houses the cathedra (chair) of the Pope.
- The Church was founded in honour of St John The Baptist and St John The Evangelist.
- It is considered the most important among the most major and prominent churches in Rome; it is called Arch Basilica. The other three Churches are St Peter’s, St Paul’s and St Mary Major.