The Roman Catholic Church
 Catholic Church
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| Latin: Ecclesia Catholica Italian: Chiesa Cattolica |
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| Polity | Episcopal |
| Governance | Holy See |
| Head | Pope Francis |
| Administration | Roman Curia |
| 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, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic church founded by Jesus Christ in his Great Commission, that its bishops are the successors of Christ's apostles, and that the Pope is the successor to Saint Peter to whom primacy was conferred by Jesus Christ. It maintains that it practises the original Christian faith, reserving infallibility, passed down by sacred tradition. The Latin Church, the Eastern Catholic Churches, and institutes such as mendicant orders and enclosed monastic orders reflect a variety of theological and spiritual emphases in the Church.
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