Some of the Holy places that have been protected and preserved by the Roman Catholic Church

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Jerusalem, Israel)
The holiest site in Christianity, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre stands over the very place where Jesus was crucified, buried, and resurrected. From the earliest days of the Church, Christians venerated this sacred ground, even under Roman persecution. When Emperor Constantine, at the request of the Catholic Church, built the first basilica here in the 4th century, the Catholic Church ensured its preservation. Despite destruction by invaders, Islamic rule, and conflicts, the Catholic Church, especially through the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land, has maintained and defended this site. Without the Church’s intervention, the Holy Sepulchre would likely have been lost or inaccessible to Christians today.

The Basilica of the Nativity (Bethlehem, Palestine)
Built over the birthplace of Jesus Christ, this basilica was first constructed by Emperor Constantine in the 4th century, based on the site preserved by the early Christian community. Over centuries, the Catholic Church has protected this sacred place, particularly through the Franciscans, who have maintained the basilica despite various invasions, earthquakes, and attempts to desecrate it. The Church also played a crucial role in negotiating Christian access when Bethlehem fell under Islamic and later secular rule. Today, the Church continues to oversee its restoration, ensuring that pilgrims can still visit the very place where Christ was born.

St. Peter’s Basilica (Vatican City)
As the center of the Catholic Church, St. Peter’s Basilica stands over the tomb of St. Peter, the first Pope and Apostle of Christ. The Catholic Church has venerated and protected this site since the earliest Christian era, with Constantine building the first basilica in the 4th century. When the original structure deteriorated, the Church commissioned the Renaissance masterpiece we see today, ensuring that this sacred site remained the spiritual heart of Catholicism. Over centuries, the Church has resisted secular pressures, attacks, and political changes, ensuring that the Basilica remains the most important pilgrimage site in Christendom.

The Vatican (Vatican City)
As the seat of the Papacy, the Vatican has been the center of Catholic authority for 2,000 years. Throughout history, the Church has defended its independence, ensuring that the Vatican remained the guardian of Christian doctrine, Scripture, and history. Despite numerous political upheavals, sackings, and secular challenges, the Church preserved the Vatican as a sovereign city-state, securing its status as the headquarters of the Catholic faith. It is home to the largest collection of Christian relics, manuscripts, and theological works, ensuring that the faith is preserved for future generations.

Lourdes (France)
Since the Marian apparitions of 1858, the Catholic Church has safeguarded Lourdes as a major center of Christian healing and devotion. The Church authenticated St. Bernadette’s visions and developed Lourdes into a protected pilgrimage site, ensuring its accessibility for millions of faithful each year. Despite skepticism and opposition, the Catholic Church built and maintained the grand basilica and sanctuary, where countless reported miracles have taken place. The Church’s continued presence has prevented Lourdes from being commercialized or diminished, ensuring it remains a place of prayer, healing, and spiritual renewal.

Santiago de Compostela (Spain)
As one of Christianity’s greatest pilgrimage sites, Santiago de Compostela holds the relics of St. James the Apostle. The Catholic Church has been responsible for maintaining this sacred place since the 9th century, when the apostle’s remains were rediscovered. The Church established the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, ensuring its survival through wars, the Reformation, and secularization. Even today, the Church preserves the cathedral, maintains pilgrimage records, and promotes the Way of St. James as an enduring spiritual journey. Without the Church’s intervention, this sacred pilgrimage could have faded into obscurity.

Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Mexico City, Mexico)
The Catholic Church has protected and preserved the miraculous tilma of St. Juan Diego since the Marian apparitions in 1531. Recognizing its significance, the Church built multiple shrines and basilicas over the centuries to house the tilma, ensuring its survival despite anti-Catholic persecution in Mexico and attempted destruction. The Church has promoted Our Lady of Guadalupe as the Patroness of the Americas, encouraging millions of faithful to honor her each year. The Vatican’s official recognition of the apparition has further ensured its lasting spiritual importance.

Fatima (Portugal)
Since the Marian apparitions of 1917, the Catholic Church has been responsible for preserving Fatima’s spiritual legacy. The Church rigorously investigated and authenticated the visions of the three shepherd children and built the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, making it one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the world. The Vatican has continuously promoted the messages of Fatima, including the Consecration of the World to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, as requested by the Virgin Mary. By protecting Fatima from secular suppression and political interference, the Church has ensured that millions of pilgrims continue to find hope, prayer, and penance at this sacred site.

The Catacombs of Rome (Italy)
The Catholic Church has played an essential role in preserving the earliest burial sites of Christians, the Roman Catacombs, where persecuted believers—including martyrs and early popes—were laid to rest. Even after the legalization of Christianity, the Church continued to protect these underground tombs, ensuring their discovery and documentation in later centuries. The Vatican has overseen extensive archaeological restoration efforts, making them accessible to pilgrims while preserving their historical and religious significance.

Mont Saint-Michel (France)
One of the most visually striking Christian sites, Mont Saint-Michel has been protected by the Catholic Church since its founding as a monastery dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel in the 8th century. Despite Viking invasions, medieval wars, and later secularization efforts, the Church has continually rebuilt and restored this sacred site. Today, Mont Saint-Michel remains a functioning place of Catholic worship and pilgrimage, a testament to the Church’s commitment to preserving Christian heritage.