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<img height='175' src='http://vaticanstamps.org/VPS/images/296/E12.jpg'>
<img height='175' src='http://vaticanstamps.org/VPS/images/296/C35.jpg'>
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 Left: St John Lateran Basilica (Scott E12, 1949) Middle: Obelisk of St John Lateran (Scott C35, 1959) Right: St John Lateran: Holy Year 2000 (Scott 1138, 2000)
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November 9 marks the Feast of the Dedication of the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran. The "mother and head of all churches,” it was presented to Pope Miltiades (311-314) by Emperor Constantine I, the Great (306-337). It was originally the site of a Laterni family villa, later perhaps that of Marcus Aurelius (161-180), and for a short time, a palace for Constantine’s second wife, Fausta (d. 326).
 
Pope Sylvester I (314-325) added to the building as did subsequent popes. converting it to a church. It was rebuilt on several occasions, especially after fires during 14th century (1307, 1361). From the 4th century up to the Avignonese papacy (1309-1376), it served as the papal residence. It was rebuilt in the 16th century (most notably at the direction of Pope Sixtus V and architect Domenico Fontana) and dedicated to Ss. John the Baptist and John, the Evangelist. The full name of the basilica was then defined as “Cathedral of the Most Holy Savior and of Saints John the Baptist and the Evangelist in the Lateran.” The Basilica is the pope’s see as Bishop of Rome. It has been the location for five ecumenical councils. The feast of its dedication began in the 12th century.
 
The basilica contains many mosaics, especially above its apse, which have also appeared on Vatican City stamps. Other mosaics display historical scenes such as Christ presenting the Apostles with their mission, Jesus giving the keys of Heaven to Pope Sylvester I and the cross (Labarum) to Constantine, and St. Peter giving the papal stole to Pope Leo III (795-816) and the standard to Charlemagne. A 13th century Gothic canopy by Arnolfo di Cambo is situated over the high altar. The largest obelisk in the world is erected near the basilica (originally from Karnak, erected art the Circus Maximus in 357, and re-erected near the basilica in 1588). Above the central altar are two reliquaries said to contain fragments of the skulls of Ss. Peter and Paul. Sculptures of the Apostles are located along the basilica’s north and south walls and 15 large sculptures dominate the façade of the basilica.
 
Over the centuries many popes were buried at the basilica, although some of their tombs have been lost due to fires, a sack by Vandals in 5th century, earthquake (9th century), and periods of reconstruction. Among the notable tombs are those of Pope Innocent III (1198-1216) and Leo XIII (1878-1903). Nearby the basilica are the Holy Stairs (said to have been used by Jesus during his Passion to reach the Praetorium in Jerusalem to be judged by Pilate), and a notable baptistery. The bronze doors were originally at the Senate Chamber at the Roman Forum. 
References: • Dawn Marie Beutner, Saints • See the Basilica’s Entry in Encyclopedia Britannica (Vol. 26, pp. 991-992) and Wikipedia • Frank J. Kern, A Catholic’s Guide to Rome: Discovering the Soul of the Eternal City (2000), pp. 56-61 
Article Links: • James C. Hamilton, <a href='http://vaticanstamps.org/vaticannotes/idisplay.php?p=65-371-12-13&r=0'>“Mosaics on Vatican City Stamps” </a> Vatican Notes, Vol. 65, No. 371, p.12-29 (2017)

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