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Saint John Lateran

Saint John Lateran is said to be “The Mother Church of the World”. There are four churches considered as the great patriarchal basilicas of Rome namely: St. Peter’s Basilica, St. John Lateran Basilica, St. Mary Major Basilica and St. Paul’s Basilica outside the walls. All these basilicas are remarkable and St. John Lateran is the oldest of them all.

By Vatican.com 5/18/2018
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The Holy Door (St. Peter’s Basilica)

All the four papal basilicas in Rome have what is known as a holy door. These doors are normally shut from the inside and cannot be easily opened; they are only opened during Jubilee years. When you enter St. Peter’s Basilica, the last door to the right hand side is the Holy Door. The door is bricked up on the inside. On the first day of the Holy Year (Jubilee Year), the pope strikes the brick wall with a hammer and then opens the door to let in the pilgrims who come to make the most of the indulgence.

By Vatican.com 5/18/2018
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The Jubilee Year

The Jubilee Year, according to Christianity, is a time of joy, the year of remission or universal pardon. The celebration of the Jubilee Year is quoted in several verses of the bible like in Leviticus 25:10 which says: “and shalt proclaim remission to all the inhabitants of thy land: for it is the year of jubilee.” The Jubilee Year was celebrated every fifty years and during this year, families were expected to find their absent family members, the Hebrew slaves were to be set free, debts were to be settled and illegally owned land had to be returned to its owners.

By Vatican.com 5/18/2018
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Excommunication in the Roman Catholic Church

Excommunication was a method used by the Roman Catholic Church to exclude one of its members from participating in the common blessings of ecclesiastical society. The Roman Catholic Church operates as a society and therefore has the right to excommunicate any of its members, either temporarily or permanently. The Roman Catholic Church has the right to excommunicate any of its members if they go against the church’s constitution and teachings or do not operate within the given authority.

By Vatican.com 5/18/2018
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Master of the Sacred Palace

Master of the Sacred Palace was a title which is currently referred to as the Theologian to the Papal Household. The title was changed in 1968 as an implementation of Pope Paul VI’s apostolic letter. The Master of the Sacred Palace was the pope’s theologian. The main function of the Master of the Sacred Palace was to develop the Palace School, which later on became the Roman University "Sapienza". Among the duties that the position of Master of the Sacred Palace used to encompass was the sanctioning of the printing of all religious books.

By Vatican.com 5/18/2018
Rome

Rome City Pass

Rome is a city full of activities including tourist, social, religious, adventure and economic activities. Many people who want to explore spectacular sites, structures and nature visit Rome to fulfill their mission. In general, Rome is a beautiful city, and anybody who loves nature and adventure would love to visit it.

By Vatican.com 5/17/2018 3 minutes
Rome

Weather in Rome

Rome is a renowned City on the world map and it is an iconic city to the Catholics. The city is rich in archaeological sites, attractions, political and religious heritage, and an exemplary atmosphere. Those who have visited this magnificent city can affirm that once you have arrived in Rome, you will know that indeed you are in Rome- as you will experience a new surrounding which is unique and unrivaled. It is a diverse city full of culture, history and religion.

By Vatican.com 5/17/2018
Rome

Rome Walking Tours

Rome is a city which you can enjoy as you walk. Unlike other cities, where you have to travel for long hours to see the various attractions and sites, Rome offers a completely different experience. The entire city is beautiful and is filled with archaeological sites, museums, gardens, parks, hotels, architectural buildings and more. The walking tours will allow you to explore the diverse sites of Rome in a unique style. The tours are normally guided by local, experienced Rome tour guides, who comprehensively understand the different parts of this Eternal City.

By Vatican.com 5/17/2018
Rome

Rome's Top 5 Tourist Attractions

There is no doubt that Rome is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The city is rich in museums, gardens, parks, churches, artwork, palaces, temples, theaters villas, basilicas and more. In addition, Rome is also one of the most visited cities in the world. The major reason for the popularity of Rome is its top tourist attractions. The city receives millions of visitors every year from all parts of the world, and the numbers keep increasing over time.

By Vatican.com 5/17/2018
Rome

Transportation in Rome

Rome is quite a big city with a substantial metro area. Many Romans own scooters and mini cars (like the Smart car) that can drive down its ancient alleyways and park in tight spots. As a visitor or tourist in Rome, it is not recommended that you rent a vehicle, especially if it’s you’re first time there. Roma is a busy city and it will be difficult to find parking and avoid traffic in the areas surrounding Vatican City. Alternatives in Rome transportation system are abundant and cheap. Like most big cities in Europe, there are several modes of public transportation in Rome that will help you get around and visit the Vatican.The buses, light rail and metro all share the same ticket system. You can purchase a Roma Pass, a single ticket (includes transfers for over an hour) or a daily, weekly and even monthly pass.

By Vatican.com 5/17/2018
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