Why is the Basilica of St. John Lateran one of the most important Catholic churches in Rome if not the world? Read on to discover why this cathedral is so important, and how you can visit it.

Why is the Basilica of St John Lateran important?

While there are 4 papal basilicas in the world, all in Rome, St. John Lateran is the most important of them all, because it is the home of the bishop of Rome, the Pope. Pope Francis lives in Vatican City, and performs mass more often at Saint Peter's Basilica than at the other papal basilicas, but St. John Lateran is his church.