What Is Catholicism?
Catholicism is the faith, practice, and system of beliefs of the Catholic Church, the largest Christian denomination in the world, with over 1.3 billion members. It traces its origins directly to Jesus Christ and the Apostles, particularly Saint Peter, whom Catholics recognize as the first Pope.
Core Beliefs of Catholicism
1. One God in Three Persons
Catholics believe in one God who exists as three divine persons: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit—a mystery called the Holy Trinity.
2. Jesus Christ
Catholics believe Jesus is the Son of God, fully divine and fully human, who became man for our salvation, suffered and died on the cross, rose from the dead, and ascended into heaven.
3. The Sacraments
The Church administers seven sacraments as channels of God’s grace:
- Baptism
- Confirmation
- Eucharist (Holy Communion)
- Penance (Confession)
- Anointing of the Sick
- Holy Orders
- Matrimony
4. The Bible and Sacred Tradition
Catholicism is based on both Sacred Scripture (the Bible) and Sacred Tradition (the teachings handed down from the Apostles through the Church).
5. The Pope and the Church
The Pope, based in Vatican City, is the spiritual leader of the global Catholic Church. The Church believes in apostolic succession, meaning its authority comes through an unbroken line from the Apostles.
6. Mary and the Saints
Catholics honor Mary, the Mother of Jesus, as the greatest of all saints. They also venerate other saints, asking for their intercession and following their example of holiness.
7. Moral Teaching and Social Justice
The Church promotes love of God and neighbor, care for the poor, dignity of human life from conception to natural death, and moral living based on the Ten Commandments and the teachings of Christ.
The Goal of Catholic Life
The ultimate goal of Catholic life is to live in communion with God now and for eternity in Heaven. Catholics are called to live a life of faith, hope, and love, guided by the Church and nourished by the sacraments.