Why pilgrims come
A sacred place worth the journey.
The cathedral church of the Bishop of Rome and the oldest of Rome’s four major papal basilicas.
The pilgrim’s guide
What makes this visit meaningful
St. John Lateran is the cathedral of the Bishop of Rome and therefore carries a distinct place in Catholic life: it is the pope’s cathedral, not simply another historic basilica. Pilgrims come to profess communion with the Church of Rome, pray before the papal altar and baptistery, and continue across the road to the Holy Stairs.
Cathedra of the Bishop of Rome
Recognize the basilica as Rome’s cathedral and the mother church of the city and world.
Papal altar and confessio
Pray beneath the great Gothic ciborium at the liturgical heart of the archbasilica.
Lateran Baptistery
Visit one of Christianity’s foundational baptisteries in the building beside the basilica.
Holy Stairs
Continue across the piazza to the Scala Sancta and Sancta Sanctorum.
Feasts & celebrations
Continue nearby