Basilica and cathedral are both important types of churches, but they have distinct differences. Here are the key differences between a basilica and a cathedral:
Basilica:
- An important church building designated by the Vatican because it carries significant historical, spiritual, and architectural qualities and attributes.
- The highest permanent designation for a church building, and once a church is named a basilica, it cannot lose its basilica status.
- The three signs that a church has been named a basilica are the Ombrellino (umbrella), Tintinnabulum (Bells), and the Papal Cross Keys.
Cathedral:
- The home church for the bishop or archbishop of a diocese.
- The bishops cathedra, or chair, is located in the cathedral.
- The cathedra represents the position and authority of the bishop, and the place where he resides in the territory of his jurisdiction.
- The main church of a diocese and functions as a parish church within itself.
- The bishop is the pastor of his cathedral parish and appoints a rector to manage its spiritual and temporal affairs.
Its important to note that a basilica may or may not also be the cathedral of the diocese, and a church can be a basilica, a cathedral, and a shrine or any combination of those three.
