Why is the basilica named after St Peter?
Why is the basilica named after St Peter? The basilica was called St Peter's after one of Jesus's twelve disciples known as Saint Peter, who became one of the founders of the Catholic Church and was executed in Rome and buried where the Basilica now stands.
What does it say on the front of St Peters?
The inscription (1m high) states: Paul V Borghese, Roman, Pontiff, in the year 1612, the seventh of his pontificate, [erected] in honour of the Prince of Apostles. From the central balcony, called the Loggia of the Blessings, the new pope is announced with Habemus Papum, and gives the Urbi et Orbi blessing.
What is the difference between a basilica and a cathedral?
To clarify: a cathedral is any church that is the “seat” of a bishop. There is one cathedral per diocese. A basilica is any church named highly important by the pope based on its historical or cultural importance, its art or beauty, its signi?cance in the liturgical life of the Church or a variety of these attributes.
Why is there so much Egyptian stuff in the Vatican?
Pope Gregory was driven by a passion for learning. He ordered that all Egyptian and “Egyptianized” artifacts in the Pontifical states (and Roman antique markets, private villa collections etc.)
What is the largest church in the world?
St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, the largest church in the world.
What is the oldest church in the world?
According to the Catholic Encyclopedia the Cenacle (the site of the Last Supper) in Jerusalem was the first Christian church. The Dura-Europos church in Syria is the oldest surviving church building in the world, while the archaeological remains of both the Aqaba Church and the Megiddo church have been considered to ...