What is a basilica of the Catholic Church and why is it important?

Perhaps you have wondered why in the Catholic Church there are some temples with the title of basilica and what their importance is for the life of faith. Here we explain it to you.

The word “basilica” comes from Latin basilĭca (public building), which derives from the Greek βασιλική basilikḗ, (royal house). In the times of the Roman Empire, this building was where the court of justice was located.

Throughout history, Popes have granted the title “basilica” to a temple for its spiritual and historical importance. In that sense, it is a spiritual and evangelization center for a community and also serves to spread a special devotion to the Virgin Mary, Jesus or some saint.

In addition, these temples house sacred treasures of the Catholic Church, such as the tombs and relics of saints, among others.

Types of basilica

In the Catholic Church there are major and minor basilicas. Only four temples carry the title of “major basilica”, they are located in Rome and they are the Basilica of Saint Peter, the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls and the Basilica of Saint John Lateran.

Facade of the Basilica of San Juan de Letrán / Photo: Ximena Rondón (ACI Prensa)

A major basilica has a main altar where only the Pope and his delegates can celebrate Mass. Furthermore, it is distinguished because it has a Holy Door that the faithful can cross during a holy year to obtain plenary indulgence.

Facade of the Basilica of Santa María de los Ángeles in Asís / Photo: Ximena Rondón (ACI Prensa)

In the case of minor basilicas, they are temples to which the Pope or the Dicastery for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments granted the title.

They tend to be mostly sanctuaries and cathedrals that receive a large number of pilgrims because of the sacred treasures they guard or because of their historical importance. Currently there are more than 1,500 minor basilicas around the world.

Some of the best known in Italy are that of San Lorenzo Outside the Walls, in Rome; that of San Francisco and that of Santa María de los Ángeles, in Assisi.

Other famous basilicas are that of Our Lady of Guadalupe, in Mexico; of the Sacred Heart, in France; of the Sagrada Familia, in Spain; of Our Lady of Luján, in Argentina; and Our Lady of the Rosary of Chiquinquirá, in Colombia.

Basilica of the Sacred Heart (Sacré-Coeur) in France / Photo: Ximena Rondón (ACI Prensa)

Parts of a basilica

The outer part of a basilica is called the atrium. The interior vestibule is called the narthex and is then followed by the central nave, where the faithful congregate, and the side naves, where the confessionals, chapels and the baptistery are usually located.

Central nave of the Basilica of San Juan de Letrán / Photo: Ximena Rondón (ACI Prensa)

In the apse, the head of the temple, is the main altar, which is usually covered by a baldachin, a kind of dome supported by four columns. The most famous baldachin is that of Bernini, which is above the main altar of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Baldaquino de San Pedro / Photo: Ximena Rondón (ACI Prensa)

In some basilicas, such as Saint Peter and Saint Paul Outside the Walls, beneath the main altar is the tomb of a saint or martyr.

At the back of the apse is the seat where the Bishop or Pope sits, in case he visits the temple. On the side of the apse are the sacristies.

The throne of the Basilica of San Juan de Letrán / Photo: Ximena Rondón (ACI Prensa)

The oldest basilica in the world is that of Saint John Lateran. It was built on the palace of the noble family of the Laterans, and gifted by Emperor Constantine to the Catholic Church. Pope Saint Sylvester consecrated the temple in the year 324.