Rome
- Ljubica Soldo
- Oct 17
- 15 min read
The Heart of the Catholic Church and the Eternal City of Faith
Rome stands among the world’s most important pilgrimage destinations — a city where faith, history, and culture are deeply intertwined. For believers, it is not only the capital of Italy but also the very heart of the Catholic Church, home to the Holy Father and the Vatican.
It was here that the Apostles Peter and Paul lived and ultimately gave their lives for the faith. Saint Peter, the first Pope and the “rock” upon which Christ built His Church, was martyred and buried on the site where the magnificent St. Peter’s Basilica now stands. Saint Paul, the great preacher of the Gospel to the nations, also suffered martyrdom in Rome, and in his honor the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls was built.
For today’s pilgrims, visiting Rome means walking the same streets once trodden by apostles and saints. Its splendid churches and sacred sites have, for centuries, borne witness to the faith of millions. That is why Rome is not merely a historical capital but truly the Eternal City of Faith — a place where every pilgrim can deepen their relationship with God and experience the powerful sense of unity with believers from all over the world.
The Historical and Spiritual Significance of Rome
Catacombs – Testimony of the Early Church
Beneath the soil of Rome stretch miles of catacombs — underground burial sites and passageways where the first Christians found refuge. These sacred tunnels served not only as places of burial but also as hidden sanctuaries for prayer and the celebration of the Eucharist during times of persecution.
Today, the catacombs remain a lasting testimony to the strength of faith and the courage of the early Christians, offering pilgrims a moving encounter with the very roots of the Church and the first witnesses of the Gospel. Among the most significant are the Catacombs of St. Callixtus, where many early popes and martyrs were laid to rest, and the Catacombs of St. Sebastian and Domitilla, which preserve early Christian frescoes and inscriptions speaking of the hope of resurrection.
Visiting these sacred sites allows pilgrims to step back into the earliest centuries of Christianity and reflect on the unbroken continuity of faith.
the Colosseum
Although there is no definitive historical evidence that Christians were systematically martyred in the Colosseum, over the centuries it has become a powerful symbol of faith and sacrifice in the early Church. Successive popes have dedicated it to the memory of the martyrs, and today a cross stands within the amphitheater as a sign of their witness.
Every Good Friday, the Pope leads the Stations of the Cross here, gathering pilgrims from all over the world in prayer and reflection.
Scala Santa (Holy Stairs)
According to tradition, these are the very steps Jesus climbed in Jerusalem during His trial before Pontius Pilate — later brought to Rome by Saint Helena in the 4th century. For centuries, the Scala Santa has drawn Christian pilgrims, making it one of the most moving and personal devotional sites in Rome.
Located directly across from the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, the staircase leads to the Sancta Sanctorum, the former papal chapel that houses the revered icon of Christ “not made by human hands.” Pilgrims traditionally ascend the Holy Stairs on their knees, uniting themselves with the Passion of Christ in a profound act of prayer and devotion.
vatican
The Vatican is the smallest independent state in the world, yet it remains the very heart of the Catholic Church. It is here that the Pope, the successor of Saint Peter, lives and carries out his mission. Within its walls lie the most sacred sites that, for centuries, have drawn pilgrims from every corner of the world. For believers, a visit to the Vatican is a profound encounter with faith, the unity of the Church, and the richness of its history.
St. Peter’s Square – A Place of Gathering for the Faithful
St. Peter’s Square is one of the most sacred and recognizable places in the world. Built in the 17th century according to the designs of Gian Lorenzo Bernini, it was conceived as a vast open space whose monumental colonnades, shaped like embracing arms, welcome pilgrims from every nation.
Each day, the square fills with the faithful who come to take part in liturgical celebrations, papal audiences, and solemn festivities. Every Sunday at noon, the Pope appears at the window of the Apostolic Palace to lead the Angelus prayer. On Christmas and Easter, he steps onto the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to impart the Urbi et Orbi blessing — “to the City and to the World.”
For a pilgrim, standing in St. Peter’s Square means standing in the very heart of the Catholic Church — at the place where the community of believers has been formed through the centuries and where the strength of prayer and faith is felt in a profound way.
St. Peter’s Basilica – The Heart of Catholic Faith
St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the largest and most important churches in the world, and among the holiest places in Christianity.
It was built on the site where, according to tradition, the Apostle Peter is buried — the one to whom Christ said: “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
The first basilica was erected in the 4th century by Emperor Constantine, while the present magnificent structure was built between the 16th and 17th centuries with contributions from great Renaissance and Baroque masters such as Bramante, Michelangelo, and Bernini.
Inside, the basilica leaves every visitor in awe with its splendor and sacred beauty. Among its most treasured works are Michelangelo’s Pietà, one of the most moving masterpieces of Christian art, and Bernini’s grand bronze baldachin, rising majestically above the main altar. Beneath that altar lies the Tomb of Saint Peter — the very heart of the basilica and a place of prayer for millions of pilgrims.
The Tomb of Saint Peter – The Foundation of the Church
The Tomb of Saint Peter, also known as the Apostolic Trophy (Trophaeum Apostolicum), is located in the Vatican Grottoes, directly beneath the papal altar of St. Peter’s Basilica. The Apostle Peter suffered martyrdom in Rome during the reign of Emperor Nero around the year 64 and was buried on Vatican Hill, not far from the site of his death.
Above his resting place, a modest shrine was erected in the 2nd century. Around the year 330, Emperor Constantine built the first great basilica directly on that site. The present church, completed in the 17th century, continues this sacred tradition — the papal altar still stands directly above the Apostle’s tomb.
During archaeological excavations in the 20th century, bones and inscriptions were discovered. In 1950, Pope Pius XII announced that the remains could not be identified with absolute certainty. However, after further studies, on June 26, 1968, Pope Paul VI solemnly declared that the relics of Saint Peter had been “convincingly identified.”
Papal Audiences and Blessings
For many pilgrims, the most meaningful moment of their visit to the Vatican is the encounter with the Pope himself. Every Wednesday, when his schedule allows, the Pope holds a general audience in St. Peter’s Square or in the Paul VI Audience Hall, where he delivers a catechesis, prays with the faithful, and imparts the Apostolic Blessing.
On Sundays at noon, he leads the Angelus prayer from the window of the Apostolic Palace, offering a short reflection and blessing the faithful gathered below. On major feasts such as Christmas and Easter, he imparts the Urbi et Orbi blessing — a message of peace and unity to the whole world.
These moments are not only a chance to see the successor of Peter but a true experience of the living communion of the Church — a prayer rising from the heart of the Vatican and embracing all nations.
The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel
The Vatican Museums preserve one of the richest collections of artistic and spiritual treasures in the world. Over the centuries, the popes gathered artworks, sculptures, manuscripts, and sacred objects that bear witness to the long history of the Church and of Christian civilization. Walking through the museums means encountering a legacy that connects faith and culture.
At the heart of the museums lies the Sistine Chapel, with Michelangelo’s breathtaking ceiling depicting the Creation and his magnificent Last Judgment. These masterpieces leave every visitor in awe. Yet for believers, this chapel is not only an artistic marvel — it is also the living heart of the Church, for it is here that the cardinals gather in conclave to elect a new Pope.
For pilgrims, visiting the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel is not only a moment to admire beauty created by human hands, but also a profound encounter with the unity of faith and art — a harmony that has, through the centuries, lifted the human spirit toward God.
In the Vatican, pilgrims experience the visible center of the Catholic faith – a place where history, art, and spirituality converge, lifting hearts toward God.
The Four Papal Basilicas of Rome
Rome is home to four great papal basilicas, each with a unique role in the history and life of the Church. These sacred places are not only architectural masterpieces but also deep spiritual centers that connect pilgrims to the roots of Christianity. Each offers a distinct encounter with the mystery of faith, history, and art.
Together, they form the most important churches of the Catholic world:
St. John Lateran, the cathedral of the Bishop of Rome and the “Mother and Head of All Churches.”
St. Peter’s Basilica, the heart of Catholicism and the resting place of the Apostle Peter.
St. Mary Major, the largest Marian church in Rome, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
St. Paul Outside the Walls, built over the tomb of the Apostle to the Nations.
Visiting these four basilicas is considered a privileged path of pilgrimage in Rome, offering believers the opportunity to deepen their faith while walking through the living history of the Church.
Archbasilica of St. John Lateran – Mother and Head of All Churches
The Lateran Basilica, dedicated to the Most Holy Savior and to Saints John the Baptist and John the Evangelist, is the oldest of the four papal basilicas in Rome. Its history dates back to the 4th century, when Emperor Constantine gave it to the Church. For over a thousand years, the Lateran served as the residence of the popes before their move to the Vatican.
On the archbasilica’s front wall, between the main portals, is a plaque inscribed with the words:
“SACROS LATERAN ECCLES OMNIUM VRBIS ET ORBIS ECCLESIARVM MATER ET CAPUT”
— “Most Holy Lateran Church, mother and head of all the churches in the city and the world.”
This highlights its unique role: although St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican is the most famous, the Lateran is in fact the cathedral of the Bishop of Rome — the Pope himself.
Inside, the basilica radiates solemnity, with magnificent mosaics, statues of the apostles, and rich Baroque details. Also significant are the Lateran Palace and the baptistery, among the oldest in Rome. For pilgrims, visiting the Lateran means encountering the very history of the Church and standing in the place that for centuries was the spiritual heart of the Christian world.
Basilica of St. Mary Major – The Largest Church Dedicated to the Mother of God
Santa Maria Maggiore stands on the Esquiline Hill, one of the seven hills of Rome, and is one of the four papal basilicas of the city. The largest Marian church in Rome, it is regarded as the first Marian sanctuary in the Western world and the mother of all Marian shrines. Built in the first half of the 5th century after the Council of Ephesus, where Mary was proclaimed Theotokos — Mother of God, it has, unlike the other papal basilicas, preserved its original structure to this day, making it a unique witness to the early Christian faith.
According to tradition, in the year 352 the Virgin Mary appeared to Pope Liberius and the Roman patrician John, marking the place where a church should be built through a miraculous fall of snow in the middle of summer, on August 5. Because of this, the basilica is also known as “Our Lady of the Snows,” and this feast is still celebrated every year.
The interior of the basilica captivates visitors with its splendid 5th-century mosaics depicting biblical scenes from Abraham to Joshua, as well as events from the lives of Mary and Christ. Its 75-meter bell tower, the tallest in Rome, dominates the skyline of the Eternal City.
The basilica is especially known for its two chapels. The Sistine Chapel, built in 1587, preserves the relic of the Holy Crib — wooden fragments believed to be from the manger in which the newborn Jesus was laid. Opposite stands the Borghese Chapel, home to the miraculous icon Salus Populi Romani — “Protectress of the Roman People” — which tradition attributes to St. Luke the Evangelist. For centuries, this icon has been a powerful sign of Mary’s special protection over Rome.
Within the basilica are also the remains of St. Jerome, the great Doctor of the Church, along with the tombs of several popes, including Pius V, Sixtus V, Paul V, and Pope Francis. The Baroque genius Gian Lorenzo Bernini, whose art shaped the face of Rome, is also buried here.
Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls – Over the Tomb of the Apostle to the Nations
The Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls (San Paolo fuori le Mura) is the second largest church in Rome, after St. Peter’s. It was built over the tomb of the Apostle Paul, who was martyred in Rome around the year 67. According to tradition, Paul was beheaded on the Ostian Way, and his body was buried by his disciples in a cemetery on this site.
The first basilica was constructed in the 4th century by Emperor Constantine and later magnificently enlarged by Emperor Theodosius. For centuries, it remained one of the most important pilgrimage centers in the Christian world. Although almost completely destroyed by fire in 1823, it was faithfully rebuilt, preserving its original majesty.
The basilica impresses with its vast nave supported by marble columns, golden mosaics, and the medallions with portraits of all the popes — from Peter to the present day. At its heart lies the confessio, the shrine above the tomb of the Apostle Paul, where pilgrims can pray at the resting place of the one who carried the Gospel “to the nations.”
Together, the four papal basilicas form a unique path of faith, guiding every pilgrim deeper into the heart of the Church and the living history of Christianity.
Other Significant Landmarks and Churches of Rome
Beyond the Vatican and the four great papal basilicas, Rome is filled with countless holy sites that bear witness to the rich history and enduring faith of the Catholic Church. Together, they form a precious part of the pilgrim experience, revealing the continuity of faith from the earliest Christian centuries to the present day.
Basilica of St. Clement
The Basilica of St. Clement is one of the most remarkable sites in Rome, revealing the Church’s history in layers. On the upper level stands the 12th-century church, adorned with magnificent mosaics and Baroque details. Beneath it lies a 4th-century basilica, whose walls still preserve fragments of ancient frescoes. Even deeper, the archaeological layers contain remains of 1st-century Roman houses later adapted as some of the earliest Christian places of worship.
This site allows pilgrims to literally walk through the centuries of Church history — from the secret gatherings of the first Christians, through the splendor of early basilicas, to the living faith of today. San Clemente stands as a powerful testimony to how faith endured and grew despite every challenge of history.
Church of Domine Quo Vadis
On the ancient Via Appia, a small church known as Domine Quo Vadis marks the place where, according to tradition, Saint Peter met Christ while fleeing Rome during the persecutions. Peter asked, “Domine, quo vadis?” — “Lord, where are You going?” Christ replied that He was going back to Rome to be crucified again, reminding Peter that His suffering continues in His followers. Strengthened by this encounter, Peter returned to Rome to face his martyrdom.
The present church, modest in size, was built on that very site. Inside, it preserves a copy of the footprint believed to belong to Christ. For pilgrims, visiting this humble sanctuary recalls the call to faithfulness and courage — following the example of Saint Peter.
Basilica of Saint Sebastian Outside the Walls
The Basilica of Saint Sebastian (San Sebastiano fuori le mura) stands along the Via Appia Antica and is one of the seven pilgrimage churches of Rome. Built in the 4th century over ancient catacombs, it became an important place of devotion in the early centuries of Christianity.
The church is dedicated to Saint Sebastian, a Roman soldier and 3rd-century martyr who was shot with arrows and later tortured to death for his fidelity to Christ. His tomb, preserved here, has drawn pilgrims for centuries.
The basilica is also linked to the tradition of Christ’s footprints: the original marble slab bearing the footprints is kept here, while a copy is displayed in the nearby church of Domine Quo Vadis.
For pilgrims, a visit to Saint Sebastian’s means not only praying at the tomb of a martyr but also standing in a place that bears witness to the steadfast faith of the early Christians.
Church of Sant’Andrea delle Fratte
In the heart of Rome, not far from the Spanish Steps, stands the Church of Sant’Andrea delle Fratte — a special place of Marian devotion and conversion. It is best known for the miraculous event of 1842, when the young Jewish banker Alphonse Ratisbonne experienced an apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary. His immediate conversion and later priesthood remain one of the most moving testimonies to Mary’s role in the life of the Church.
Inside, the church is adorned with the famous angel sculptures by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, originally created for the Sant’Angelo Bridge and later moved here. Sant’Andrea delle Fratte unites artistic beauty with spiritual depth and remains a place of gratitude and prayer — especially for those seeking conversion and a deeper relationship with Mary.
Basilica of Santa Croce in Gerusalemme – Relics of Christ’s Passion
The Basilica of Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, located near the Lateran Basilica, is one of Rome’s most revered pilgrimage sites. Built in the 4th century by Emperor Constantine as part of a palace complex for his mother, Saint Helena, it stands symbolically on holy ground: soil from Jerusalem was brought here, giving the church its name “in Gerusalemme.”
What makes this basilica especially significant are the relics of Christ’s Passion preserved within its walls. Tradition holds that Saint Helena brought to Rome fragments of the True Cross, a nail from the Crucifixion, the Crown of Thorns, and the wooden plaque inscribed “INRI.” For centuries, these sacred relics have drawn pilgrims from around the world, offering a direct connection to the mystery of Christ’s suffering and redemption.
Basilica of St. Lawrence Outside the Walls – A Witness to Martyrdom
The Basilica of St. Lawrence Outside the Walls (San Lorenzo fuori le mura) is another of Rome’s seven pilgrimage churches. Dedicated to St. Lawrence, the 3rd-century deacon and martyr, it marks the resting place of one who gave his life for Christ, executed by being burned on a gridiron. His tomb remains a place of devotion and prayer for the faithful.
Today, the basilica reflects a blend of early Christian simplicity and later architectural additions, with ancient mosaics and the relics of St. Lawrence enshrined within. Pope Pius IX is also buried here. For pilgrims, visiting this sacred site means praying at the tomb of one of Rome’s most venerated martyrs — a lasting witness to unwavering faith and love for Christ.
the Pilgrim’s Path through Rome
After visiting the great basilicas and many other sacred churches, pilgrims begin to see a broader picture of the faith that has shaped this city for centuries. Rome is more than its monuments and magnificent architecture — it is a living mosaic of saints, martyrs, and believers whose witness built up the Church through the ages.
One of the most cherished devotions is the Seven Churches Pilgrimage (St. Peter’s Basilica, St. Paul Outside the Walls, St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major, St. Lawrence Outside the Walls, St. Sebastian Outside the Walls, and Holy Cross in Jerusalem).
This spiritual journey leads from the tomb of Saint Peter to the sites where the relics of Christ’s Passion are preserved. In the 16th century, Saint Philip Neri revived this tradition, inviting the faithful to walk together through the city in prayer and song. Even today, this pilgrimage invites believers to experience Rome not only with their eyes but also with their hearts — as a true City of Faith and Testimony.
Weather and the Experience of Rome
Rome enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, making it an inviting pilgrimage destination throughout the year. Spring and autumn are especially ideal: the streets come alive with color and joy, and the pleasant temperatures are perfect for walking and sightseeing.
Summer can be quite hot, yet the city’s fountains and open piazzas offer refreshment, while evening strolls around the basilicas and winding streets create a uniquely peaceful atmosphere. Winter, on the other hand, reveals a quieter Rome with fewer crowds — a time many pilgrims cherish as an opportunity for deeper reflection and prayer.
Whatever the season, visiting Rome means stepping into a city where history, faith, and daily life blend beautifully together. To walk its streets is to journey through time — from the first Christian witnesses to the pilgrims of today who continue along the same sacred path.
Food and Lifestyle in Rome
Rome is not only a city of churches and history, but also a place of everyday life, tradition, and flavor. Italians are known for their simple yet rich lifestyle, in which food holds a special place. Espresso, pasta, pizza, tiramisu, and gelato are just some of the flavors you simply can’t miss when visiting Rome.
For pilgrims, beyond prayer and the sacred sites, this aspect of Roman life also becomes part of the journey. Tasting these beloved dishes enriches the pilgrimage experience, revealing Rome not only as the Eternal City of Faith, but also as a living city — full of warmth, culture, and the joy of life.
Final Reflections
Rome is much more than a historical capital — it is the heart of the Catholic Church, a place where centuries of faith meet the life of today.
Walking its streets means journeying along the paths of the apostles and martyrs, entering basilicas that preserve the Church’s heritage, and praying in the holy places that have shaped Christian history.
For every pilgrim, Rome is not just a destination but an experience — a journey that leads closer to Christ through encounters with countless witnesses of faith. Whether in the grandeur of its basilicas, the silence of its catacombs, or a quiet moment of prayer in a small chapel, every step becomes an opportunity to deepen one’s relationship with God.
Rome remains the Eternal City of Faith, calling all to discover in it the beauty of pilgrimage and the communion that unites believers from every corner of the world.
In a time of division and uncertainty, Rome stands as a reminder that the Church continues to be the home of all nations — a place where faith unites us in love and fellowship.
Every pilgrim leaves Rome not only with memories of sacred places but with a renewed spirit and a deeper faith.