Santa Maria Maggiore
The Basilica of Saint Mary Major (Italian: Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, Italian pronunciation: [ˈsanta maˈriːa madˈdʒoːre]; Latin: Basilica Sanctae Mariae Maioris; Latin: Basilica Sanctae Mariae ad Nives),[a] or church of Santa Maria Maggiore (also referred to as Santa Maria delle Nevi from its Latin origin Sancta Maria ad Nives), is a Major papal basilica as well as one of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome and the largest Catholic Marian church in Rome, Italy.
"Saint Mary Major" redirects here. For other uses, see Santa Maria Maggiore (disambiguation) and Saint Mary Major (disambiguation).Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
Italy
Jerome (12th century)
432
1743
92 meters (302 ft)
80 meters (260 ft)
30 meters (98 ft)
75 meters (246 ft)
Historic Center of Rome, the Properties of the Holy See in that City Enjoying Extraterritorial Rights and San Paolo Fuori le Mura
Cultural
i, ii, iii, iv, vi
1980[1]
The basilica enshrines the venerated image of Salus Populi Romani, depicting the Blessed Virgin Mary as the health and protectress of the Roman people, which was granted a Canonical coronation by Pope Gregory XVI on 15 August 1838 accompanied by his Papal bull Cælestis Regina.
Pursuant to the Lateran Treaty of 1929 between the Holy See and Italy, the Basilica is within Italian territory and not the territory of the Vatican City State.[2] However, the Holy See fully owns the Basilica, and Italy is legally obligated to recognize its full ownership thereof[3] and to concede to it "the immunity granted by International Law to the headquarters of the diplomatic agents of foreign States."[2] In other words, the complex of buildings has a status somewhat similar to a foreign embassy.
Papal basilica[edit]
As a papal basilica, Santa Maria Maggiore is often used by the pope. He presides over the rites for the annual Feast of the Assumption of Mary on 15 August there. Except for a few priests and the basilica's archpriest, the canopied high altar is reserved for use by the pope alone. Pope Francis visited the basilica on the day after his election.[51]
The pope gives charge of the basilica to an archpriest, usually a cardinal. Formerly, the archpriest was the titular Latin Patriarch of Antioch, a title abolished in 1964. Since 29 December 2016, the archpriest has been Stanisław Ryłko.
In addition to the archpriest and his assistant priests, a chapter of canons is resident. Redemptorist, Dominican and Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate priests serve the church.
The King of Spain, currently Felipe VI, is ex officio protocanon of the basilica's chapter.[52]
Pope Francis visits the Basilica often, mainly to visit the Salus Populi Romani. He visits before and after trips outside the Vatican, calling the icon his “great devotion”. He has also constructed a tomb next to the icon that shall be his final resting place upon his death. Francis will be the first Pope to be buried outside of the Vatican since Pope Leo XIII in 1903.[53]
Tomb of Clement VIII
Baptismal chapel
Pope Pius IX - Ignazio Jacometti
Pope Pius IX - Ignazio Jacometti
Pope Pius IX - Ignazio Jacometti
Ave Regina Pacis
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