June 10, 2019

Basilica of Saint John in Lateran 

This church serves as the most important Catholic Church in the world, because it was the first Christian Church built out of hiding under Constantine. Under Constantine, Christianity was legalized and served as a defining factor of the people of Rome, even under Pagan representative government. Constantine donated his own land to the Christian community of Rome and it extended a few square miles, noted as the “donation of Constantine.”  The ruins of the barracks for the bodyguards in this church were constructed during the Roman Empire under the Church. The walls were constructed 40 years earlier in dedication of Christ and John the Baptist. An alternative to imperial power of the first legal church occurred around 318-325 AD. Constantine fled the city of Rome and retreated to Istanbul, Turkey because of Pagan government control and the controversy of the church. The popes took control of the church at this time. Over 1500 years, nothing about the church has changed , because the strength of the church hasn’t changed which gives history its power. Inside the church is the Holy door that is broken down every 25 years by Christmas Eve that is celebrated in Christ’s name since 1300. This door is 1 of 5 doors that is open for the year, but the Basilica of Saint John in Lateran hosted the first door. As well as the Holy Door, there is also a cathedral at the center of the church for the Pope. Until 1962, the popes could touch the ground in front of people, because it was sacred as well as not touch any other humans. When the pope dies, they elect a new pope, alerting the public with the chimney smoke. Also, the pope dresses in different sizes of clothing to represent different agendas.