Constructed according to the wishes of Emperor Constantine, San Giovanni in Laterano was the first church built for worship after Christianity became legal in the Roman Empire,in 313 A.D.

The Basilica is situated just inside the southern wall of the ancient city of Rome, and is honored to have served as the city's premiere site of Christian worship since its consecration on the 9th of November 324 A.D.

Until the exile to Avignon, France, in 1304 A.D., the Basilica had served as the official Papal residence for ten centuries. San Giovanni in Laterano today remains the "Pope's Cathedral", where he is consecrated Bishop of Rome, and where he must be seated on the Papal throne for his appointment to become official.

The Basilica of San Giovanni In Laterano is guardian to a host of cultural, historic, architectural and artistic treasures. Contained in its complex are Rome's largest Cloister and the 4th century octagonal Baptistery, the first constructed in Rome.

Also in the complex is the church of San Lorenzo, containing the Sancta Sanctorum (the private Chapel of the Popes), and the Scala Santa or Holy Staircase. The Holy Staircase was walked on by Jesus on his way to trial by Pontius Pilate and brought from Jerusalem in the 4th century by Emperor Constantine’s mother, St. Helena.

As the primary Basilica of Rome, and the official seat of Pope Benedictus XVI, San Giovanni in Laterano receives countless travelers and pilgrims each year.

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