It is the highest permanent title for a church and can never lose its basilica status. In the Roman Catholic Church or Greek Orthodox, these have particular significance because they are usually associated with a major saint, or important historical event.

A Basilica is important because it represents a "Home of the King," a title of honor bestowed by the Pope upon specific churches of significant historical, architectural, or spiritual importance. In the Catholic Church, there are two types: Major Basilicas (only four exist, all in Rome) and Minor Basilicas (found worldwide). A church designated as a basilica becomes a "Papal shrine," serving as a beacon of faith for its region. It is granted special privileges, such as the right to display the "Umbraculum" (a silk canopy) and the "Tintinnabulum" (a bell), which symbolize its direct link to the Holy Father. For 2026 pilgrims, visiting a basilica often carries the opportunity for a "Plenary Indulgence," making these sites central hubs for global Catholic worship, pilgrimage, and liturgical excellence.