Why Do Catholics ...?
Why is St. Peter’s Basilica named a basilica instead of a cathedral? What are the considerations taken to name a church either a basilica or cathedral?
“St. Peter’s is one of five papal basilicas in Rome, whose high altar’s use is reserved to the Pope or to a prelate he sends as his representative on a particular occasion,” explained Colin Donovan, vice president for theology at EWTN.
“St. Peter’s is honored as the place of the martyrdom and burial of the apostle, being located over the Circus of Nero (race course), where he was crucified upside down. A different basilica, St. John Lateran, is the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome and the place where diocesan liturgies, such as the Holy Thursday chrism Mass, are celebrated.”
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