Catholic Church

The Catholic Church (Latin: Ecclesia Catholica), commonly called the Roman Catholic Church, is the largest Christian church, with an estimated 1.28 to 1.41 billion baptized members worldwide as of 2026. It consists of 24 autonomous (sui iuris) churches—the Latin Church and 23 Eastern Catholic Churches—organized into nearly 3,500 dioceses and eparchies governed by bishops. Throughout history, the church has had a large role in the development of Western civilization. Catholic communities are present worldwide through missions, immigration, and conversions.

Catholic doctrine is rooted in the Nicene Creed and holds that the church is the "one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church" founded by Jesus Christ. It teaches that bishops are the successors of the apostles and that the pope—the bishop of Rome—is the successor of Saint Peter the Apostle, entrusted with a unique and primary pastoral role. The pope serves as the head of the church; the Diocese of Rome forms his local jurisdiction, while the Holy See serves as the church’s central governing authority through the Roman Curia.

Among the church's seven sacraments, the Eucharist is seen as the source and summit of the Christian life and is celebrated in the Mass. Catholics believe that through consecration by a priest, the bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ. The Virgin Mary is venerated as the Mother of God and honored through dogmas such as the Immaculate Conception, perpetual virginity, and Assumption, including devotional practices. Catholic social teaching emphasizes care for the poor, the sick, and the marginalized. The church operates tens of thousands of educational, medical, and charitable institutions worldwide, becoming the largest non-governmental provider of education and health care.

Name

Further information: Catholic (term) and Roman Catholic (term)

The word "Catholic" comes from a Greek word meaning "universal." It was first used to describe the church around the year 100 AD in a letter by Ignatius of Antioch. The name helped set the Catholic Church apart from other groups. After a split in 1054 called the East–West Schism, the term "Catholic" continued to be used by the church led by the pope in Rome. Today, "Catholic Church" is the official name used in important church documents.

History

Main article: History of the Catholic Church

For a chronological guide, see Timeline of the Catholic Church.

Further information: Historiography of early Christianity

See also: History of Catholic theology

The Catholic Church, the largest Christian church, has played a major role in shaping Western civilization. It began with Jesus' appointment of the Twelve Apostles and his instruction for them to continue his work. The church teaches that its public ministry started at Pentecost, fifty days after Jesus' resurrection, when the apostles received the Holy Spirit.

During the Roman Empire, Christianity spread despite challenges because Christians believed in one God and refused to worship others. The Edict of Milan in 313 legalized Christianity, and later, it became the empire's official religion. Over centuries, the church grew, influencing art, education, and culture across Europe. Important events include the Middle Ages, when the church sponsored great artists and established early universities, and the Counter-Reformation, when it responded to the challenges of the Protestant Reformation.

In more recent times, the church has continued to adapt. The Second Vatican Council in the 1960s introduced changes to make the church more modern and engaged with the world. Popes like John Paul II and Francis have traveled widely, emphasizing social justice and efforts to improve relations with other Christian churches. Today, the Catholic Church remains a significant global presence, continuing to evolve while preserving its traditions.

Organization

The Catholic Church is led by bishops who are in charge of areas called dioceses. At the top is the pope, the bishop of Rome, who leads the entire church. The pope is helped by cardinals and a group called the Roman Curia.

There are also many groups called religious institutes, which include people who have chosen to live in special ways to follow their faith more closely. The church has many members around the world, with Brazil having the most Catholics. The church also runs many schools and hospitals.

Doctrine

Main article: Catholic theology

Catholic doctrine has changed over time. It includes teachings from early Christians, decisions made at important church meetings, and writings by church leaders. The church believes it is guided by the Holy Spirit to stay true to its teachings.

The church teaches that God is one but exists as three persons: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit. This is known as the Holy Trinity. Jesus is believed to be both fully God and fully human. He lived a perfect life and was crucified, but rose again to save people.

The church also teaches about the end times, when everyone will be judged by God. People will go to heaven, a place of eternal happiness with God, or to hell, a place of eternal separation from God, depending on their choices and actions. There is also a belief in purgatory, a place where souls are purified before entering heaven.

Sacraments

Main article: Sacraments of the Catholic Church

The Catholic Church teaches that there are seven important ceremonies, called sacraments, that were created by Jesus. These sacraments are baptism, confirmation, the Eucharist, penance, anointing of the sick, holy orders and holy matrimony. These special rituals are seen as ways to connect with God’s love and help people grow in their faith.

These sacraments are grouped into three types: those that start a person’s journey as a Christian, those that heal and strengthen a person, and those that help people work together in the community. Each sacrament has its own special meanings and actions that make it unique.

Liturgy

Main articles: Catholic liturgy and Eastern Catholic liturgy

The Catholic Church has many different ways of worship, called rites, which show its rich history and culture but do not change its beliefs. The most important ceremony is the Eucharist, also known as the Mass in the West and Divine Liturgy in the East.

The most common rite used by the Catholic Church is the Roman Rite, which started in Rome and spread throughout Europe. Today, this Mass is usually celebrated in the local language. There are also other rites, such as the Ambrosian Rite used in Milan, and various rites used by Eastern Catholic Churches, including the Byzantine Rite, Alexandrian Rite, West Syrian Rite, Armenian Rite, and East Syriac Rite. Each of these churches has the freedom to follow its own traditions in worship.

Social, moral and cultural issues

Catholic social teaching

Catholic social teaching emphasizes caring for the poor, sick, and afflicted. It highlights the importance of supporting social justice and the rights of workers, including the right to form unions.

Social services

The Catholic Church plays a major role in providing education and healthcare worldwide. It operates many schools and hospitals, and supports various charitable organizations that help those in need.

Death penalty and euthanasia

The Catholic Church strongly opposes the death penalty, viewing it as an attack on human dignity. It also opposes euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide, believing that life is a gift from God that should not be shortened.

Holy orders and women

While women participate in many roles within the Church, only men can be ordained as priests. The Church has consistently upheld this tradition, despite efforts by some groups advocating for the ordination of women.