The Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, Rome's most important church, recently celebrated its 1,700th anniversary. As the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome and the Pope's seat, it holds a central place in the Catholic Church.

Since 1565, the Catholic Church has commemorated its dedication as a feast day, honoring its status as the "mother and head of all churches of the city and the world."

The Catholic Church is preparing for the 2025 Jubilee of Hope, a significant spiritual event expected to draw approximately 35 million pilgrims to Rome. The Jubilee will commence with Pope Francis opening the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica on Christmas Eve 2024, followed by the opening of Holy Doors at three other Papal Basilicas.

The Vatican has made the historic decision to display the Chair of St. Peter (Cathedra Sancti Petri) publicly for the first time since 1867. This wooden throne, dating back to the 6th-9th centuries, was traditionally gifted to Pope John VIII by Charles the Bald in 875.