Roman Catholic Church

The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the largest Christian church. As one of the oldest religious institutions in the world, it has played a prominent role in European society and spread its influence across the world. The church is headed by the Bishop of Rome, known as the Pope. Its central administration, the Holy See, is in the Vatican City, an enclave within Rome, Italy.

Structure

The Catholic Church follows an episcopal polity, led by bishops who have received the sacrament of Holy Orders who are given formal jurisdictions of governance within the church. Ultimately leading the entire Catholic Church is the Bishop of Rome, commonly called the pope, whose jurisdiction is called the Holy See. The office of the pope is known as the papacy. The Catholic Church holds that Christ instituted the papacy upon giving the keys of Heaven to Saint Peter.

Divine Origins

Catholic doctrine has developed over the centuries since the times of Jesus Christ (according to the Catholic tradition), reflecting direct teachings of early Christians, which was founded by Jesus Christ. The church believes that it is continually guided by the Holy Spirit as it discerns new theological issues and is protected infallibly from falling into doctrinal error when a firm decision on an issue is reached.

Tenets of Faith

• The Bible is the inspired, error-free, and revealed word of God.

• Baptism, the rite of becoming a Christian, is necessary for salvation — whether the Baptism occurs by water, blood, or desire.

• God’s Ten Commandments provide a moral compass — an ethical standard to live by.

• The existence of the Holy Trinity — one God in three persons. Catholics embrace the belief that God, the one Supreme Being, is made up of three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

Worship

The Catholic worship is known as The Mass. It teaches that through consecration by an ordained priest the bread and wine become the sacrificial body, blood, soul, and divinity of Christ as the sacrifice on Calvary made truly present once again on the altar.

Priesthood

There are three levels of clergy, the episcopate, composed of bishops who hold jurisdiction over a geographic area called a diocese or eparchy; the presbyterate, composed of priests ordained by bishops and who work in local diocese or religious orders; and the diaconate, composed of deacons who assist bishops and priests in a variety of ministerial roles.

Sects

Other than the Latin Church, there is also the Eastern Church. The Eastern Catholic Churches follow the traditions and spirituality of Eastern Christianity and are Churches that have always remained in full communion with the Catholic Church.

Type

Religious, Organised Religion

Permeated Organizations

• France
• Spain
• Viceroyalty of North Ocrea