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Historical summary

Catholicism

Christian tradition centered on the Catholic Church, the sacraments, and apostolic authority.

64%
Confidence

Profile confidence

45
Source coverage
13
Beliefs
In this article
Catholicism is the largest Christian tradition by number of adherents and understands itself as the historical continuation of the community formed around Jesus of Nazareth, the apostles, and the ancient church. In the official formulation, divine revelation was entrusted to the Church and is transmitted through Sacred Scripture and Tradition, being authentically interpreted by the magisterium of the bishops in communion with the bishop of Rome, the pope. Its doctrinal core includes faith in one God in three persons, the incarnation of Christ, his death and resurrection, the Church as one, holy, catholic, and apostolic, the centrality of the seven sacraments, and hope in the final resurrection. Historically, it took shape in the context of first-century Roman Judea and spread through the Mediterranean, Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia through missions, episcopal structures, monasticism, universities, religious orders, and varied political and cultural activity. Its reference texts include the Bible, the ancient creeds, patristic writings, conciliar decisions, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, canon law, and papal documents. Among its most visible practices are the Mass, liturgical prayer, Marian devotion, veneration of the saints, confession, baptism, confirmation, anointing of the sick, and sacramental life in general. Internally, there is diversity of spiritual and theological emphasis between the Latin rite and the Eastern Catholic Churches, as well as among schools such as Thomism, Augustinianism, Franciscanism, and contemporary currents. There are also debates about liturgy, ecumenism, the relationship between tradition and doctrinal development, sexual ethics, the role of women, clericalism, institutional abuses, papal authority, and the reception of the Second Vatican Council. In comparative language, the Catholic tradition distinguishes between official doctrine, discipline, and popular devotions, and not every practice widely found among the faithful carries the same degree of doctrinal obligation. Its central institutional seat is the Holy See in the Vatican, and the bishop of Rome is regarded as Peter's successor with a specific primacy in the universal communion of the Church.
Quick facts
Origin
Roman Judea and the eastern Mediterranean, with later development in the Greco-Roman world
Founder
Jesus of Nazareth; historical development led by the apostles and the ancient church
Period
1st century
Site
https://www.vatican.va
Related beliefs

Beliefs of Catholicism

See some beliefs below:

Assumption of Mary

Mary was taken by God to heavenly glory in body and soul.

Confidence 61%
3 Supportive1 Contrary0 Neutral

Eucharist and real presence

In the Mass, Christ is truly present under the species of bread and wine.

Confidence 61%
3 Supportive1 Contrary0 Neutral

Immaculate Conception

Mary was preserved from original sin from the first instant of her conception.

Confidence 61%
3 Supportive1 Contrary0 Neutral

Incarnation of Christ

Jesus Christ is true God and true man.

Confidence 73%
3 Supportive0 Contrary0 Neutral

Purgatory

There is a final purification for some of the saved before the full vision of God.

Confidence 54%
3 Supportive2 Contrary0 Neutral

Seven sacraments

Christian life is structured by seven sacraments.

Confidence 61%
3 Supportive1 Contrary0 Neutral

Trinity

One God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Confidence 73%
3 Supportive0 Contrary0 Neutral