By Hannah Brockhaus Vatican City, Nov 9, 2024 / 04:00 am The most important church in Rome, the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, is celebrating its 1,700th anniversary on Nov. 9.

Priests and faithful gather in Rome's Basilica of St. John Lateran during the Holy Door opening ceremony on Dec. 29, 2024. Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/CNA (Story continues below) ...

Pope Leo XIV waves upon his arrival at the Arch Basilica of St. John Lateran where he will presides over a Mass and takes possession of the Roman Cathedra, formalising his role as Bishop of Rome ...

The Diocese of Rome has planned a full year of events to mark the 1,700th anniversary of the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, which was dedicated on Nov. 9, 324.

It was a truly hectic Sunday, May 25, for the American-born pope, as he visited the two major basilicas: St. John Lateran and St. Mary Major, and met with the mayor of Rome.

Pope Leo XIV seated in the cathedral of Rome, the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, a symbol of his authority as Bishop of Rome, May 25, 2025. (photo: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News/Vatican Pool) ...

Pope Leo XIV appears at the central balcony of the Arch Basilica of St. John Lateran after presiding over a Mass and takes possession of the Roman Cathedra, formalising his role as Bishop of Rome ...

Pope Leo XIV waves to a crowd of faithful from the central loggia of the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, Sunday, May 25, 2025. AP In his homily, Leo said he wanted to listen to them ...

ROME (AP) — The first American pope formally took possession of the St. John Lateran Basilica, which is Rome's cathedral and seat of the diocese, with an evening Mass attended by Roman priests ...

The first American pope formally took possession of the St. John Lateran Basilica, which is Rome’s cathedral and seat of the diocese, with an evening Mass attended by Roman priests and faithful.

Pope Leo XIV presides over a Mass in the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran and takes possession of the Roman Cathedra, formalising his role as Bishop of Rome in Rome, Sunday, May 25, 2025.