Catholic church
 Catholic Church
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| Latin: Ecclesia catholica | |
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| Classification | Catholic |
| Polity | Episcopal |
| Head | Pope Francis |
| Administration | Holy See via the Roman Curia |
| Churches sui iuris |
Latin Church Eastern Catholic churches: 23 |
| Dioceses |
Archdioceses: 640 Regular dioceses: 2,851 |
| Region | Worldwide |
| Headquarters | Vatican City |
| Founder |
Jesus Christ, according to Catholic tradition |
| Origin |
1st century Jerusalem,Judea, Roman Empire |
| Members | 1.27 billion |
| Clergy |
Bishops: 5,237 Priests: 415,792 Deacons: 44,566 |
| Website | Holy See |
The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the largest Christian church, with more than 1.27 billion members worldwide. As one of the oldest religious institutions in the world, it has played a prominent role in the history of Western civilisation.Headed by the Bishop of Rome, known as the pope, its doctrines are summarised in the Nicene Creed. The Catholic Church is notable within Western Christianity for its sacred tradition and seven sacraments.
The Catholic Church 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, the 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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