A new Pope has just been elected, and with the election of Leo XIV begins a series of ancient rituals steeped in history and meaning. One of the most important is his formal possession of the four Papal Basilicas in Rome: St. Peter’s, St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major, and St. Paul Outside the Walls.
This tradition represents his spiritual and pastoral authority over the entire Catholic Church. While St. Peter’s is the most famous, it’s actually St. John Lateran that serves as the official cathedral of the Pope—as Bishop of Rome.
Explore with us the 4 Papal Basilicas in Rome, a journey through the history of Christianity and spirituality of the eternal city.
Rome is not only the capital of the Italian Republic but also the holy center of the Catholic Church since it hosts Vatican City, the heart of spiritual Papal power. Among its countless churches, four hold a special status: the Papal Basilicas, also known as the major basilicas, the highest rank of church in the Roman Catholic tradition. These are the most important churches in Roman Catholicism and each one is rich in history, architecture, religious significance and full of heartbreaking masterpieces.
Furthermore, visiting all four papal basilicas during a trip to Rome and especially in a Jubilee Year is mandatory to complete the traditional Roman pilgrimage and to receive the plenary indulgence. Whether you are a pilgrim or a tourist, the four papal basilicas are unmissable places to see during a vacation in Rome, a profound experience that connects believers or travelers with centuries of faith and art.
The Papal Basilicas: Saint Peter’s Basilica in Vatican
It is one of the symbols of Rome in the world and the holiest place of the eternal city, Saint Peter’s Basilica is the most famous church in the world and a central pilgrimage site for Catholics. Located in Vatican City, this papal basilica is a Renaissance and Baroque gem rich in masterpieces including the colonnade and the bronze canopy made by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and the iconic dome, the Pietà sculpture and the heartbreaking Sistine Chapel made by Michelangelo. According to the archaeologists, Saint Peter’s Basilica is the burial site of Saint Peter, one of Jesus’ apostles and founder of the Catholic Church as first Pope (See also Vatican City, a small State with endless attractions).
Saint John Lateran Basilica, the official cathedral of Rome
Called the mother of all churches, the Basilica of Saint John Lateran is the official cathedral of Rome and the ecclesiastical seat of the Pope, not St. Peter’s as many assume. Built by Emperor Constantine in the 4th century and renovated in the 13th century, Saint John Lateran is the oldest and most important of the four papal basilicas. Often overlooked by tourists, in this church you can admire massive statues of the twelve apostles, stunning mosaics, and the Holy Stairs which according to the tradition are the stair climbed by Jesus on the day of his Passion, and brought to Rome by Saint Helena.
Saint Mary Major Basilica, where the tomb of Pope Francis is housed
It is the largest church in Rome dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the papal basilica of Saint Mary Major is a central site for Marian devotion and one of the most beautiful Paleochristian buildings still situated in Rome. Built in the 5th century after the Council of Ephesus declared Mary as the Mother of God, the papal basilica of Saint Mary Major houses precious relics, including the Holy Crib and the venerable icon Salus Populi Romani, one of the most highly venerated in Rome. Since the 26th of April 2025, Saint Mary Major hosts the remains of Pope Francis.
Saint Paul outside the Walls Basilica, away from the tourist crowd
Dedicated to Saint Paul the Apostle, the papal basilica of Saint Paul outside the Walls is built over the site of his burial. The basilica lies outside the ancient city walls, hence the name “Outside the Walls”. Although the original 4th-century structure was destroyed by fire in 1823, the church was carefully rebuilt, preserving its early Christian layout and grandeur. Away from the tourist crowded areas, the Basilica of Saint Paul outside the Walls has beautiful features that include the mosaic portraits of all Popes, the Triumphal Arch, and the impressive cloister.
Other 3 major basilicas in Rome and the 7 churches tour
In addition to the four papal basilicas, Rome has at least 3 more important churches for their history and architecture of course, also because they are part of the famous 7 churches tour. This was a traditional Roman Catholic pilgrimage in Rome, originally popularized by Saint Philip Neri in the 16th century, it was formed by 7 stages: the four papal basilicas and plus the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem, the Basilica of Saint Lawrence outside the walls and the Basilica of Saint Sebastian outside the walls. The tradition of the 7 churches tour included the seven major and still today most important basilicas of the eternal city.
