'Cathedra' from the Greek means a chair, a seat. From ancient times the chair has been the symbol of the authority of the one who sits on it to teach, govern or judge.

It is in this sense that the Pope is said to speak 'ex cathedra', from the chair, when as pastor and teacher of the universal Church he exercises his supreme apostolic authority and teaches in a way that is universally obligatory. In short, 'ex cathedra' implies authoritative teaching.

The teaching authority of the Pope comes from the special powers and prerogatives conferred on St Peter by Christ himself (Matthew 16:13-20). Symbolic of this authority is a relic of a chair, 'cathedra Petri' (Peter's chair) preserved in St Peter's Basilica, Rome.

The relic, regarded since the 3rd century as a chair used by St Peter and now encased in a massive chair of gilt bronze high above the altar in the apse of the basilica, is supported by giant-size bronze statues of four Doctors of the Church, St Ambrose and St. Augustine of the Latin Church, St. Athanasius and St. John Chrysosotom of the Greek Church. The bronze sculpture of the group was carried out by the famous sculptor and architect, Giovanni Lorenzo Bernini (1598-1680) and completed in 1666.

More than the relic, it is the symbolism of St Peter's authority that gives significance to the 'cathedra' in St. Peter's Basilica. There is also a feast of the Chair of St Peter, which is celebrated on 22nd February.

The local bishop too is teacher and guardian of the faith. This is pointed out in the Code of Canon Law where it says: "The diocesan Bishop is bound to teach and illustrate to the faithfull the truths of faith which are to be believed and applied to behaviour. By whatever means seem most appropriate, he is firmly to defend the integrity and unity of the faith to be believed." (Can 386).

Together with teaching, the bishop has also the office of sanctifying and governing his flock. "By their Episcopal consecration, Bishops receive together with the office of sanctifying , the offices also of teaching and of ruling." (Can. 376, sec 2).

The authority given to the bishop to exercise this three fold duty in his diocese is symbolically expressed by the cathedra or seat he has in his principal Church, which therefore came to be known as the 'Cathedral' Church, the Church which has the cathedra. Later on, the cathedra rose to the status of a throne, the bishop's throne in his cathedral Church.

It is in the cathedral Church that the bishop normally holds solemn eucharistic celebrations on major feast days and other important occasions. (Can.389).

Not all bishops have cathedrals. Only bishops who have charge of dioceses have cathedrals. Titular bishops therefore who are engaged in the administrative work of the Roman Curia or function as papal legates do not have cathedrals.

Thus, the bishop's cathedral, apart from being a place where the bishop presides over solemn liturgical functions, is symbolic of the authority he holds in his diocese.