Scala Santa (Holy Stairs)
14 P.za di S. Giovanni in Laterano Roma
The Scala Sancta, or Holy Stairs, invites pilgrims to participate in the Passion of Christ through an act of devotion and penance. According to tradition, Empress St. Helena brought these sacred steps from the Palace of Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem, believing them to be the very stairs that Jesus ascended during His trial.
Once part of the Lateran Palace, the stairs lead to the Sancta Sanctorum, the first private chapel of the popes, a place of deep spiritual significance. The chapel, adorned with ancient relics and icons, served as the heart of papal devotion for centuries.
Pilgrims are welcomed to climb the Holy Stairs on their knees, uniting themselves with the suffering of Christ and meditating on His Passion and sacrifice. This sacred act, carried out by the faithful for generations, remains a profound encounter with the mystery of redemption, where prayer and penance bring the soul closer to the Lord’s mercy and love.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
As we approach the sacred **Scala Sancta**, we are drawn into the heart of Your Son's Passion. With each step, we kneel in humble devotion, seeking to unite our hearts with the suffering of Christ.
Lord Jesus,
As You ascended these very stairs, burdened by the weight of the world’s sin, grant us the grace to carry our own crosses with courage and faith. May each step bring us closer to the mystery of Your sacrifice and redemption.
Holy Spirit,
Guide our thoughts and prayers as we journey upward. Illuminate the path with Your divine light, that we may truly comprehend the depth of Christ’s love and mercy.
We call upon the intercession of **Empress St. Helena**, who brought these sacred steps to us, enriching our faith with this profound connection to Your Passion. May her dedication inspire us to seek You with unwavering hearts.
As we reach the **Sancta Sanctorum**, we pray for the strength to live out our faith with renewed fervor. Surrounded by relics and icons that echo the devotion of countless pilgrims, we are reminded that we are part of a timeless communion with You.
In this sacred ascent, may our prayers and penance bring us ever closer to Your love, O Lord. May our souls be cleansed, our hearts renewed, and our spirits uplifted by Your endless mercy.
Through Christ our Lord,
Amen.
Recommended Nearby:
Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano
As the official cathedral of Rome and the seat of the Pope, San Giovanni in Laterano holds a status comparable to St. Peter’s. Its grand architecture, historical importance, and papal significance make it a key counterpart to the Vatican Basilica.
See Also:
Holy Week - Relics in Rome Walking Tour
Located throughout Vatican City are places that require special permission to visit. In this self-guided itinerary, we will show you the best places to see.
Papal Basilicas Tour
Located throughout Rome, each papal basilica carries a rich story with many pilgrims to Rome making the journey to each one before choosing a favorite. By passing through the Holy Door of any of these basilicas, it is possibe to receive a plenary indulgence during the 2025 Jubilee Year.
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