major basilica

Major basilica (; plural: Basilicae maiores) is the title given to the four highest-ranking Roman Catholic churches, all of which are also "Papal basilicas": the Archbasilica of St. John in the Lateran, St. Peter's Basilica, the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, and the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. All of them are located within the diocese of Rome: St. Peter's Basilica is located in Vatican City and thus within the territory and sovereign jurisdiction of the Holy See, while the other three are located in Italian territory. The Archbasilica of St. John in the Lateran is the seat of the Pope and the site of the Papal Cathedra, and is the oldest and first in rank of the Major Basilicas.