Holy Mother Church

Catholic Church
Latin: Ecclesia Catholica
Saint Peter's Basilica, near Rome, Italy
Classification	Catholic
Polity	Episcopal
Head	Pope Francis
Administration	Holy See Roman Curia College of Cardinals
Dioceses	Archdioceses: 640 Dioceses: 2,851
Parishes	221,700
Liturgy	Particular churches and liturgical rites
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 1.29 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, the Holy See, is in the Vatican City, enclaved within Rome, Italy.

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 Prince of the Apostles. 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.