Vatican’s new digital tool will teach about papal basilicas aleteia.org

As you probably know, Italy counts six papal basilicas, the highest-ranking churches of Catholicism. Each of these basilicas has special features, like an exclusive altar where Mass can be celebrated only by the pope or another very high-ranking minister. Two of these basilicas are found in Assisi, while the remaining four — St. Peter’s Basilica, the Basilica of St. Mary Major, the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, and the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran — are in Rome.

Now, a new digital portal born out of the collaboration between the four papal basilicas and the Vatican’s Dicastery for Communication will allow Catholics from any corner of the world to explore the history of these pillars of Catholic heritage online.

As explained in a press release, the portal, called “From Tourists to Pilgrims,” was created to accompany the faithful on a journey to discover their identity as “pilgrims” rather than just “tourists.” It was developed after the experience of 16 young communications professionals affiliated with the Dicastery for Communication, who explored the basilicas and were left impressed by their visits…

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