The Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran is the cathedral of Rome and the pope’s formal seat as bishop of Rome, uniquely holding the rank of the world’s only archbasilica. Built on a site tied to imperial Rome and given to the bishop of Rome after Constantine’s victory over Maxentius, it became an early center of Christian authority, with a synod meeting there in 314 and its dedication in 324 establishing the oldest public church in Rome and the oldest basilica in the Western world. Long a principal papal residence, repeatedly rebuilt after decline and fire, it remains a major pilgrimage church and enduring center of Catholic history.

Photo: Wikipedia · Public domain

Photo: Wikipedia · Public domain

Photo: Wikipedia · Attribution