Catholic

Catholicism (from Greek καθολικισμός, katholikismos, "universal doctrine") is a term which in its broadest sense refers to the beliefs and practices of Christian denominations that describe themselves as catholic. It commonly reflects traditions of Catholic theology, doctrine, liturgy, ethics, and spirituality. Associated traits often include or claim to include episcopal polity, sacramental theology, apostolic succession and sacred tradition. "Catholicism" and "catholic" in these senses refer to various Christian churches, as well as their beliefs and practices.

The most frequent uses refers to the faith and practices of the Catholic Church, consisting of the Latin Church and 23 Eastern Catholic Churches in full communion with the Holy See of Rome, as understood by the Four Marks of the Church. "Catholic" and "Catholicism" are also especially used by the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Oriental Orthodox Church, the Church of the East, the Anglican Communion and the Independent Catholic denominations, all of which consider themselves within the universal and apostolic church.