Today the Church celebrates the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome, the cathedral church of the Pope as Bishop of Rome.

Although Saint Peter’s Basilica is perhaps more familiar, it is the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran which is the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome. For this reason, it holds a unique place in the Catholic Church and bears the title “Mother and Head of all the churches of the City and the World.”

The first basilica on the site was dedicated in the fourth century, following the end of the Roman persecution of Christians under the Emperor Constantine. For centuries, the Lateran was closely associated with the life of the popes, and several important councils of the Church were held there.

The basilica has endured fires, earthquakes, conflict and periods of neglect. The building we see today is largely the result of extensive rebuilding and restoration undertaken over the centuries, including major work commissioned by Pope Innocent X in the 17th century.

Its imposing façade is crowned by statues of Christ, Saint John the Baptist, Saint John the Evangelist and Doctors of the Church. The basilica is dedicated to Christ the Saviour and also honours Saints John the Baptist and John the Evangelist.

Today’s feast, however, is about more than a building in Rome. The dedication of a church reminds us of the living Church – the People of God, united in Christ.

Celebrated throughout the world, this feast is also a sign of the unity of the universal Church with the Bishop of Rome.

🙏 May we, as living stones of the Church, continue to build our lives upon Christ, our sure foundation.