As a gift to the Dutch capital for Amsterdam’s 750th birthday later this year, Pope Francis has elevated the status of Basilica of St. Nicolas from church to cathedral. 

Basilica of St. Nicholas in Amsterdam upgraded to cathedral

The church located opposite Amsterdam Centraal will now be the official seat of a bishop for the diocese of Haarlem-Amsterdam, as Haarlem already contains the main cathedral of St. Bavo, which will remain the principal seat.

Amsterdam was one of the few capitals in the world without a cathedral, but now the church will officially be named Co-cathedral Basilica of St. Nicholas - “the crowning achievement of centuries of Catholic participation in the capital of the country, whose origins, city rights and flourishing were linked to the church,” wrote the diocese of Haarlem-Amsterdam in the announcement.

Pope elevates church as a gift to Amsterdam

Pope Francis has upgraded the church to cathedral status in light of Amsterdam’s birthday this year, being an important milestone of 750 years. “With this, the jubilee Amsterdam receives a meaningful gift from the church, which was already closely involved in the city's development,” wrote Bishop Jan Hendriks who will take the bishop’s seat at the newly-named cathedral. 

Amsterdam is hosting a year-long party to celebrate its big birthday with events taking place all over the city, including concerts and weddings on the A10 ring road.