Roman Catholicism

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

Roman Catholicism is the largest Christian denomination within Christianity, identified by its adherence to the teachings and authority of the Pope in Rome. With over 1.3 billion baptized members, it represents a significant portion of the global Christian population. Roman Catholicism has played a crucial role in the history of Western civilization and has a profound influence on philosophy, culture, art, and politics.

Beliefs and Practices

Roman Catholicism is based on the Bible and Sacred Tradition, which are interpreted by the Magisterium, the church's teaching authority. Central to its doctrine are the beliefs in the Trinity, the divinity of Jesus Christ, and the importance of the sacraments. The seven sacraments—Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony—are considered means of grace.

The church teaches that it is the "one true church" founded by Jesus Christ, characterized by four marks: it is one, holy, catholic, and apostolic. The Nicene Creed, a symbol of faith widely used in Christian liturgy, encapsulates many of the core beliefs of Roman Catholicism.

Structure

The organizational structure of the Catholic Church is hierarchical, headed by the Pope, who is considered the Vicar of Christ. Below the pope, the church is governed by bishops who oversee dioceses, each containing parishes administered by priests. The College of Cardinals assists the pope, and they are responsible for electing his successor.

Cultural Influence

Throughout history, the Catholic Church has been a patron of the arts, significantly influencing Western art, music, and architecture. Notable contributions include Gothic architecture, Renaissance art, and Baroque music. The church also founded numerous educational institutions, hospitals, and charities around the world.

Controversies and Challenges

Roman Catholicism has faced various challenges and controversies, including the Protestant Reformation, which led to the division of Western Christianity, and more recent issues such as the sexual abuse scandals. These events have prompted internal reforms and have affected the church's reputation and influence.

Ecumenism

The Catholic Church is actively involved in ecumenism, the movement seeking Christian unity. It has engaged in dialogue with various Christian communities and other religions to promote peace and mutual understanding.

See Also

• History of the Catholic Church
• List of Popes
• Catholic Church by country
• Criticism of the Catholic Church