Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral, Indianapolis

Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral, located at the corner of Fourteenth and Meridian Streets in Indianapolis, Indiana, serves as the seat of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis and the residence of the Archbishop, currently Charles C. Thompson. Established in 1892 by Silas Chatard, the first Bishop of Indianapolis, the cathedral is dedicated to the apostles Peter and Paul. This Classical Revival-style cathedral is a prominent landmark and an enduring symbol of faith in the city.

The architectural firm Renwick, Aspinwall, and Russell, led by W. L. Coulter, designed the cathedral complex, including its rectory and chapel. The design was inspired by Saint John Lateran in Rome, reflecting its historical connection to Bishop Chatard, who was ordained there. Modifications to the original plan, likely due to budget constraints, resulted in a more compact design without domes or side chapels.

The cathedral’s interior was decorated by William Whetten Renwick, nephew of renowned architect James Renwick Jr. Features include intricately designed sanctuary altars, metal ceilings, and oak furnishings. Additional elements, such as the holy water fonts, were crafted by the Bohlen firm.

Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral has a deep connection to the Catholic heritage of Indiana. Initially, Saint John the Evangelist Church served as the pro-cathedral for the Diocese of Vincennes until the episcopal see was relocated to Indianapolis in 1898. This move was formalized by Pope Leo XIII, making Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral the new diocesan seat.

In 1985, the cathedral underwent a significant renovation to align with liturgical changes introduced by the Second Vatican Council. Led by the architectural firm Sovik Mathre Sathrum Quanbeck, the project modernized the space while preserving its historic integrity. The refurbished cathedral was rededicated on May 14, 1986.