Each year on Aug. 5 the church liturgical calendar commemorates the dedication of St. Mary Major (in Italian, Santa Maria Maggiore), one of the five great ancient basilicas in Rome, and ...

The Hagia Sophia remains a highly popular tourist destination, attracting millions of travelers. Here is a detailed look at ...

The death of a pope sets in motion a series of carefully orchestrated rites and rituals well before the conclave to elect his ...

The Basilica Cistern is Istanbul's largest surviving ... two football fields – once supplied water to the Great Palace of Constantinople, a large palace that served as the main residence for ...

Bartholomew I of Constantinople, the spiritual leader of Orthodox Christians, has expressed sorrow over the death of Pope ...

On Piazza San Marco, the basilica’s façade features the bronze horses brought from Constantinople in the 13 th century. The decoration is packed with sculptures and ornamental details.

Explore a timeline of significant events in Pope Francis' 12-year pontificate, from his election to his global initiatives ...