Catholicism

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Abbreviation
Type	Christianity
Classification	Western Christianity
Orientation	Roman Catholic
Scripture	Bible
Theology	Catholic theology
Polity	Episcopal
Governance
Structure
Pope	Pope Francis

Catholicism is the largest branch of Christianity, with over 1.3 billion adherents globally. It is based on the teachings of Jesus Christ as presented in the New Testament of the Bible. Catholicism encompasses a wide range of doctrines, rituals, and spiritual practices, which are rooted in the Nicene Creed, emphasizing the Trinity, the divinity of Jesus, and the importance of the sacraments.

Beliefs

Catholic doctrine is based on the Bible, as interpreted by the Magisterium, which is the church's teaching authority, composed of the Pope and the College of Bishops. Key elements of Catholic doctrine include the belief in the Trinity, the divinity of Jesus, original sin, and the importance of the sacraments, which are seen as means of grace. The seven sacraments are Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony.

Practices

Catholic worship is centered around the Mass, which is the celebration of the Eucharist. Other devotional practices include the Rosary, Stations of the Cross, and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Catholics also venerate saints, including the Virgin Mary, who is highly regarded as the Mother of God and the Queen of Heaven.

Governance

The global Catholic Church is governed by the Pope, currently Pope Francis, who has supreme authority in matters of faith and morals. The Pope is assisted by the Roman Curia, which administers the day-to-day operations of the Vatican and the church worldwide. The church is organized into dioceses, each headed by a bishop. Dioceses are grouped into provinces, each headed by an archbishop.

History

Catholicism traces its roots to the life and teachings of Jesus Christ in the 1st century AD. The church became a major force in the Roman Empire and continued to play a significant role throughout the history of Western civilization. Key historical periods include the Middle Ages, the Reformation, and the Counter-Reformation, which shaped the church's structure and doctrine.

Cultural Impact

The Catholic Church has had a profound influence on the development of Western art, culture, philosophy, and law. Its institutions, including schools, universities, and hospitals, have played critical roles in the development of Western society. The church's social teachings, which emphasize the dignity of the human person and the importance of social justice, continue to influence global discussions on ethics and morality.

Controversies

The Catholic Church has faced various controversies, including the Crusades, the Inquisition, and more recently, issues related to sexual abuse within the church. These controversies have prompted significant debate and, in some cases, reforms within the church.

See Also

• Papal Primacy
• Catholic Church by country
• History of the Catholic Church
• Criticism of the Catholic Church
• Catholic social teaching