Just footsteps away from the awe-inspiring Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano - the head of all Roman and world churches - stands the magnificent Lateran Palace. This resplendent palace served as the Pope's residence for centuries. Despite being damaged by earthquakes, raids, invasions, and even decimated by a fire in 1308, the palace has always been meticulously restored. When the papacy returned to Rome in 1377, they chose Vatican as their residence.
However, the Lateran Palace, although no longer inhabited, has continued to retain its unique status as the Patriarchium or the "Seat of the Bishop of Rome" over the centuries. Indeed, all newly elected Popes have always celebrated their inauguration at the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano.
