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Saint John Lateran, not Saint Peter's, is the true cathedral of Rome and the official seat of the Pope as Bishop of Rome.
Founded by the Emperor Constantine in the fourth century, it is the oldest public church in the city, and carries the title mother and head of all the churches of Rome and the world.
Across the road stands the Holy Stairs, honoured by tradition as the steps Jesus climbed to Pilate, brought to Rome long ago.
Saint John Lateran is the mother church of the whole Catholic world, the place from which the Pope leads as Bishop of Rome.
It is older than Saint Peter's and ranks above it in honour. Pilgrims come to stand in the first great church of a free Christianity, raised the moment the age of persecution ended, and many climb the Holy Stairs on their knees in prayer.
Is Saint John Lateran the Pope's cathedral? Yes, it is the cathedral of Rome.
Is it older than Saint Peter's? Yes, it is the oldest basilica in the city.
What are the Holy Stairs? Steps honoured as those Jesus climbed before Pilate.
Holy Sites
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