Few people know that St. John Lateran is the Cathedral of Rome. It is the oldest papal basilica, and one of the four most important churches in the city, along with Saint Mary Major, St. Paul Outside the Walls, and St. Peter’s Basilica, which is located within Vatican territory.
As its name indicates, it is the cathedral or episcopal seat from which the bishop, meaning the current pope, exercises his pastoral authority.
Many tend to confuse it with St. Peter’s, but the difference is that St. Peter’s is the central place of liturgy, while St. John Lateran is the seat of pastoral authority.
For this reason, this basilica will have significant importance this Sunday, May 25. The day will begin like a normal Sunday with the Regina Coeli at 12:00 noon in St. Peter’s Square. Afterward, Pope Leo XIV will process to and preside over a Mass at 5:00 p.m. inside the Basilica of St. John Lateran. During the ceremony, he will officially take possession of the Chair of the Bishop of Rome, which is a fundamental step in his pontificate.
Later, at 7:00 p.m., the Pope will visit the Basilica of Saint Mary Major to venerate the icon of the Virgin Mary, "Salus Populi Romani," located in a chapel very close to where Pope Francis is buried. It is possible that he may also spend a few minutes in prayer before Pope Francis' tomb.
BAM
Trans. CRT
