Here are some of the largest Catholic churches in the world:
1. St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, Italy
St. Peter’s Basilica is a major basilica in Vatican City, the papal enclave within Rome. It is the burial site of Saint Peter, one of the apostles of Jesus, and is considered one of the holiest sites in the Catholic Church.
The basilica was built in the 16th century and is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. It is adorned with numerous works of art, including Michelangelo’s famous Pietà sculpture.
2. Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida in Aparecida, Brazil
The Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida is a major Marian shrine in Brazil, a popular place of pilgrimage for Catholics from all over the country.
The basilica was built in the 20th century and can hold up to 45,000 people. It is named after the Virgin Mary, known as Our Lady of Aparecida in Brazil.
3. Sagrada Família in Barcelona, Spain
The Sagrada Família is an unfinished basilica in Barcelona that was designed by the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of Spain’s most iconic landmarks.
The basilica is still under construction and is expected to be completed in 2026, 100 years after Gaudí’s death.
4. Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington D.C., United States
The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is a major Roman Catholic basilica in Washington D.C. It is the largest Roman Catholic church in the United States and can hold up to 10,000 people.
The basilica is known for its beautiful architecture and is a popular tourist attraction in the city.
5. Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City, United States
The Cathedral of St. John the Divine is the largest cathedral in the United States and can hold up to 7,000 people. It is an Episcopal cathedral and is located in New York City.
The cathedral is known for its Gothic architecture and is a popular tourist attraction in the city.
6. Metropolitan Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption in Mexico City, Mexico
The Metropolitan Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption is the largest cathedral in the Americas and can hold up to 8,000 people. It is located in the historic center of Mexico City and is the seat of the Archbishop of Mexico.
The cathedral is a major tourist attraction in the city and is known for its Baroque architecture and ornate interior.
7. Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal, Canada
The Notre-Dame Basilica is a major Roman Catholic basilica in Montreal and is known for its Gothic Revival architecture and ornate interior. It can hold up to 3,000 people and is a popular tourist attraction in the city.
The basilica is the seat of the Archbishop of Montreal and is the largest church in Quebec.
8. St. Joseph’s Oratory in Montreal, Canada
St. Joseph’s Oratory is a Catholic basilica in Montreal that is dedicated to Saint Joseph, the patron saint of Canada. It is the largest church in Canada and can hold up to 10,000 people.
The basilica is known for its beautiful architecture and is a popular place of pilgrimage for Catholics.
9. Basilica of the Sagrada Familia in Madrid, Spain
The Basilica of the Sagrada Familia is a Roman Catholic basilica in Madrid, Spain that was built in the 19th century. It can hold up to 6,000 people and is known for its beautiful Gothic Revival architecture.
The basilica is a popular tourist attraction in the city and is dedicated to the Holy Family (Sagrada Familia in Spanish).
10. Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe in Florida, United States
The Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe is a Roman Catholic basilica in Orlando, Florida, United States. It can hold up to 3,000 people and is known for its beautiful architecture and ornate interior.
The basilica is a popular tourist attraction in the city and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
