POPE FRANCIS OFFICIALLY TAKES POSSESSION OF HIS CATHEDRAL, THE ARCHBASILICA OF ST. JOHN LATERAN.

Pope Francis officially takes possession of his cathedral, the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran.

Pope Francis today Sunday April 7, 2013 officially takes possession of his Cathedral, the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran. 

The Archbasilica of St. John Lateran was founded in Rome by the two Apostles Peter and Paul, and sanctified by the blood of many martyrs. It is the first and oldest of the four major papal basilicas of Rome, and the cathedra (seat) of the bishop of Rome. The other three are St. Peter’s Basilica (located in Vatican City), St. Paul Outside the Walls, and St. Mary Major (Santa Maria Maggiore) - located in Rome, Italy. The archpriest of the basilica is Cardinal A. Vallini, cardinal vicar of the Diocese of Rome.

The prime title of the Pope is Bishop of Rome, and St. John Lateran is the seat of the head of the local Church. According to Fr. James F. Puglisi, Minister General of the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement, … this title is a very important ecclesiastical title because it is a sacramental title...

The celebration was shifted to the Second Sunday of Easter, also known as Divine Mercy Sunday, says Fr. F. Lombardi, director of the Holy See Press Office, so as not to coincide with the Lenten season.