Section: Papal Major Basilicas

The Papal Major Basilica is the title given to the four Catholic churches with the highest rank, all located in Rome.
The oldest is the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran, the first to bear the title of basilica.
They all have a Holy Door, opened with a special rite during Holy Years, playing a particular role in granting the “plenary indulgence.” Their high altar is called the papal altar.

Historically, they were open day and night, with priests permanently available to hear confessions.
The title of major basilica was introduced in 1300 by Pope Boniface VIII, who also instituted the Holy Year and renewed the conditions for indulgences. It initially concerned the shrines of Saint Peter’s Basilica and Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, built over the tombs of the apostles, which pilgrims had to visit in addition to confessing their sins.
During the second jubilee in 1350, Pope Clement VI added the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran to the major basilicas, and in 1390, it was followed by the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, the oldest Roman church dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

With the Lateran Treaty of 1929, the major basilicas located on Italian territory (all except Saint Peter’s) enjoy a status of extraterritoriality, similar to that of embassies.