Question about Cathedrals

[Squirt]

When my husband and I toured Europe a number of years ago, we went in numerous Catholic cathedrals. I was telling someone once that my favorite was St. Peter's in Rome. I was informed that St. Peter's is not a cathedral but a church. Was this person up in the night or is that correct? Is there a difference between a Catholic church and a Catholic cathedral? If so, what is it?

 

[Scott1]

When my husband and I toured Europe a number of years ago, we went in numerous Catholic cathedrals.

COOOOL! One day I pray I'll get to go as well.

I was telling someone once that my favorite was St. Peter's in Rome. I was informed that St. Peter's is not a cathedral but a church. Was this person up in the night or is that correct?

This person was sorta correct.

The chief church of a diocese, in which the bishop has his throne (cathedra) and close to which is his residence; it is, properly speaking, the bishop's church, wherein he presides, teaches, and conducts worship for the whole Christian community. The word is derived from the Greek kathedra through the Latin cathedra, throne, elevated seat.
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03438a.htm

The Lateran Basilica bears the honorary title of the cathedral of the Bishop of Rome (The Pope).

In Christ,
Scott

 

[Squirt]

Okay, but I'm still lost. Why is St. Peters not a cathedral? (Incidentally, St. Marks in Venice was pretty awesome, too.)

 

[Scott1]

A Cathedral is the official Church of the Bishop in a particular area.... in this instance, we are talking about the City of Rome. The Lateran Basilica is the Cathedral Church for the Bishop of Rome..... he can have only ONE.... like the President can only have one White House..... it does not matter how grand or glorious another building might be (like St. Peter's) it still won't be the White House.... get it?

 

[Squirt]

A Cathedral is the official Church of the Bishop in a particular area.... in this instance, we are talking about the City of Rome. The Lateran Basilica is the Cathedral Church for the Bishop of Rome..... he can have only ONE.... like the President can only have one White House..... it does not matter how grand or glorious another building might be (like St. Peter's) it still won't be the White House.... get it?

Gotha! (I guess that should have been clear the first time around, but it wasn't.) Thanks.

 

[Scott1]

To add... St. Peter's is a BASILICA (In architecture, the term basilica signifies a kingly, and secondarily a beautiful, hall. )

The Pieta in St. Peter's