The difference between a Cathedral and a Basilica

For many Catholics, and particularly non-Catholics, the terms “cathedral” and “basilica” are often associated as being the same thing. This is not true. There are a couple differences between the two.

The most important difference is that a Cathedral is the seat of the bishop. The title “cathedral” derives from the Latin word “cathedra”. It refers to a place, or position, of power. It is why the cathedral is the home and seat of the bishop (and archbishop).

Each diocese only has one cathedral. A cathedral is the mother church of the diocese and it has its own parish community and parishioners. If the location of the seat of the bishop changes to a different church, then the designation of cathedral will change. The cathedral can be transferred to another church, but has to be within the same city. 

A basilica is not the same. The pope must designate a church as a basilica in response to that church’s historical significance or value to the faith. A church can be designated a basilica because it has important cultural significance or even can be the result of its architecture or beauty. 

There are two designations of basilicas: basilica major and basilica minor. 

There are four basilica majors in Rome that are the four personal churches of the pope. There are many basilica minors around the world. The four basilica majors in Rome are St. Peter’s Basilica (the one with which most Catholics and even non-Catholics are likely familiar), the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, and the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. Any church or cathedral can be designated a basilica. That is not the same for a cathedral. A church can only be a cathedral if it is the seat of the bishop. There can be many basilicas in a diocese. There is only one cathedral. 

Some examples of the differences between a cathedral and a basilica are the University of Notre Dame Basilica of the Sacred Heart, the Notre Dame in Paris, and the Cathedral of Saint Paul in Minnesota. The University of Notre Dame has the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. The Basilica is not the primary cathedral of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend so it is only a basilica and will only become a cathedral if, for some reason, the seat of the bishop is moved to the church.  The Notre Dame in Paris and the Cathedral of St Paul in Minnesota are both famous cathedrals because they are the seats of the bishop for their diocese. 

Basilicas and cathedrals are both integral and important components of our faith. They both play vital roles in strengthening and deepening our faith. They are not, however, interchangeable titles for churches and buildings. They each carry their own weight and significance.