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Catholic Churches

Emblem of the Holy See
Catholic Church
Latin: Ecclesia Catholica
Saint Peter's Basilica
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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