The Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, the principal church in Rome, is commemorating its 1,700th anniversary on November 9, 2024. As the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome, it serves as the pope’s seat. Historically, the adjoining palace was the papal residence until the 14th century. Since 1565, the anniversary of its dedication has been recognized by the Catholic Church as a feast day, reflecting its significance as the “mother” of all churches globally.
A Latin inscription highlights the basilica’s status as the “mother and head of all churches”. Pope Benedict XVI emphasized its importance in 2008, alluding to St. Ignatius of Antioch’s acknowledgment of the Roman Church’s role in fostering charity across the Catholic communion. The foundation of the basilica stemmed from Emperor Constantine’s Edict of Milan in 313, which enabled Christians’ freedom to worship.
Pope Sylvester I officially dedicated the basilica on November 9, 324. Initially, it was dedicated to St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist, but it retains the Lateran name due to land contributions from the Plautii Laterani family in the Roman Empire. The birthday celebrations included various events like concerts and Masses focused on the church’s history and cultural impact, culminating in a special Mass by Cardinal-designate Baldassare Reina.
Pope Benedict XVI in 2008 reflected on the basilica’s legacy, recounting that Emperor Constantine gifted the Lateran property to Pope Miltiades. This institution included the bishop’s residence, which served as the papal home until the Avignon period. Acknowledging the significance of sacred spaces, he urged communities to safeguard their buildings as vital cultural and spiritual heritage. Furthermore, he called upon the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary to inspire individuals to embody love and become living temples.
The Archbasilica of St. John Lateran is a historic and pivotal church commemorating its 1,700th anniversary, marking its role as the seat of the Diocese of Rome. The significance of this anniversary underscores the basilica’s position as the mother church, a central element in the Catholic community, and highlights the historical context of its inception post-Edict of Milan. The year-long celebrations demonstrate the community’s reverence, while the pope’s reflections stress the importance of protecting sacred places as cultural patrimony.
