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Basilica
is a title of honour given to certain churches because of their
antiquity, dignity, historical importance or significance as centres of
worship.
There are four major
basilicas: St. John Lateran (the Cathedral of the diocese
of Rome), St. Peter's of the Vatican, St. Paul's outside the Walls, and
St. Mary Major. Major basilicas have the papal altar and holy door,
which is opened at the beginning of a Jubilee Year.
The pope also grants to certain churches the
title of minor basilica.
Minor basilicas enjoy certain ceremonial privileges. The papal arms may
be displayed on the churches' exteriors.
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