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The land on which the Basilica is built was donated by the Laterani family to Pope Sylvester I in 324. The Basilica is the episcopal seat of the pope, as bishop of Rome, and is considered to be the mother and head of all churches in the world. The Emperor Constantine built the Basilica many years after the acquisition of the land. The Lateran Basilica was the site of five councils, and the residence of the pope from the 4th century until the move to Avignon in 1309. It is dedicated to the Saviour and to John the Baptist.

This basilica is one of the four major basilicas in Rome which include the basilica of St Mary Major whose dedication is celebrated on August 5th and the basilicas of St. Peter, and St Paul Outside-the-Walls whose dedication is celebrated on November 11th.