When you step out of your apartment and walk down any street in Rome, you will most likely run into a church. In fact, Italy's capital is home to some of the world's most ornate cathedrals and basilicas. And while we JCU students may casually pass by St. Peter's Basilica or the Pantheon without blinking an eye, we should remember that there are more than 900 other stunning churches throughout the city, some dating as far back as the fourth century.
History of Roman Religion
Most citizens of the ancient Roman empire were polytheistic, believing in many different gods. This played an important role in shaping the empire both politically and socially. Even today, just by looking at the names of the planets, days of the week, and months, we can see an influence. Christianity came along in the 1st century after Jesus died, initially as a sect of Judaism. Early Christians were persecuted, but the religion spread throughout the Roman empire and beyond. Eventually Constantine the Great converted to and decriminalized Christianity, and early Roman religion declined. Today, Rome is home to the Vatican, the head of the Roman Catholic church, one of the main branches of Christianity.
However, Rome is a major international city today, with people hailing from a multitude of countries, backgrounds, cultures, and religions. The dominant religion is still Catholicism, but there are many other faiths present and actively practiced in the Italian capital. There is a place for everyone. If you are religious and studying in Rome, chances are you will find a place of worship.
Roman Catholic Churches
There are many churches throughout the city that offer mass in English, including:
- Santo Spirito in Sassia
Via dei Penitenzieri, 12
Sunday at 10am - San Giovanni de’ Fiorentini
Via Acciaioli, 2
Sunday at 6pm - Chiesa di Sant’Anna
Via di Sant’Anna
Sunday at 3:30pm - Saint Patrick's Church
Via Boncompagni, 31
Monday through Saturday at 6pm, Sunday at 9:00am and 10:30am
Jewish Synagogues
The Jewish community of Rome is one of the oldest in the world, dating back to the 2nd century BC. Today, the Great Synagogue is a beautiful house of worship located in the Jewish Ghetto, overlooking the Tiber River.
- The Great Synagogue of Rome
Lungotevere de' Cenci
Mosques
The Mosque of Rome, situated in Parioli, is the largest mosque in Europe, and one of the largest in the world. It can accommodate more than 12,000 people, and acts as the Italian Islamic Cultural Center.
- Rome Grand Mosque
Viale della Moschea, 85
Wednesday and Saturday mornings
Orthodox Churches
-
Saint Catherine Russian Orthodox Church
Via del Lago Terrione, 77/79
Divine Liturgy - Saturday at 9am and Sunday at 10am -
San Teodoro Greek Orthodox Church
Via di S. Teodoro, 7
Divine Liturgy - Sunday at 9am and 10:30am
Anglican Churches
- All Saints' Anglican Church
Via del Babuino, 153
Sunday at 8:30am and 10:30am
Protestant Churches
- Rome Baptist Church
Piazza di S. Lorenzo in Lucina, 35
Sunday:
10:30am English language worship service
12:00pm African Fellowship
1:00pm Filipino Service
3:00pm Chinese Service - International Christian Fellowship, Rome
Via Guido Castelnuovo, 28
Sunday at 11:00am - Ponte Sant' Angelo Methodist Church
Piazza di Ponte Sant’ Angelo, 68
Sunday at 10:30am
Buddhist Temples
The Hua Yi Si temple is the largest Buddhist temple in Europe and was founded to meet the needs of Rome's growing Chinese community.
- Hua Yi Si
Via dell'Omo, 142
Daily 10am-12pm and 1pm-4pm
