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The Roman Catholic Church

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

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