Catholic Churches
 Catholic Church |
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|---|---|
| Latin: Ecclesia Catholica | |
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| Classification | Catholic |
| Polity | Episcopal |
| Head | Pope Francis |
| Administration |
Holy See Roman Curia College of Cardinals |
| Dioceses | Archdioceses: 640 Dioceses: 2,851 |
| Parishes | 221,700 |
| Headquarters | Vatican City |
| Founder |
Jesus Christ, according to Catholic tradition |
| Origin |
1st century Jerusalem, Judea Roman Empire |
| Members | 1.285 billion |
| Clergy |
Bishops: 5,237 Priests: 415,792 Deacons: 44,566 |
| Official website | Holy See |
The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the largest Christian Church, with more than 1.28 billion members worldwide. As one of the oldest religious institutions in the world, it has played a prominent role in the history and development of Western civilisation.Headed by the Bishop of Rome, known as the Pope, the church's doctrines are summarised in the Nicene Creed. Its central administration is located in Vatican City, enclaved within Rome, Italy.
The Catholic Church is notable within Western Christianity for its sacred tradition and seven sacraments. It teaches that it is the one true church founded by Jesus Christ, that its bishops are the successors of Christ's apostles, and that the Pope is the successor to Saint Peter. The Catholic Church maintains that the doctrine on faith and morals that it declares as definitive is infallible. The Latin Church and Eastern Catholic Churches, as well as institutes such as mendicant orders and enclosed monastic orders, reflect a variety of theological and spiritual emphases in the Church.
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Wikipedia