7 Pilgrimage Churches of Rome #5

The fifth church, Basilica di San Giovanni Laterano was one of the more spectacular of the ones I visited today. It was built at the site of the first Christian church in Rome.

The church is dedicated to both St John the Evangelist and St John the Baptist.

This church has great significance in the life of St Francis. It was here that he was first interviewed by Pope Innocent III, which led to approval of the Franciscan Order.