basilica designation
An honorary title given to a Roman Catholic church by papal brief, conferring distinction and ceremonial privileges.
A Roman Catholic church which is designated as a basilica by an official letter from the Pope is given a special status in the Catholic Church and ceremonial rights. The title is normally given to large or important churches, or to churches which attract large numbers of pilgrims.
Most basilicas are also referred to as "minor basilicas"; only 4 churches in Rome and the Vatican are considered "major basilicas": Saint Peter's (in the Vatican City), San Giovanni Laterano, Santa Maria Maggiore, and San Paolo fuori le Mura (the latter 3 in Rome).
In some cases a church may have simultaneous designations as both a cathedral and a basilica.
The basilica designation should not be confused with the architectural meaning of a basilica, which is simply a church where the central nave is higher than the flanking side aisles, usually with clerestory windows between the side roofs and the central roof.
