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The word "catholic" means "universal" and refers to the non-Jewish church or gentile church that emerged in the first century. Its use as a name for the Church comes from Nicene-Constantinople Creed of 381, which defines the church as, "one, holy, catholic and apostolic." In the Christological controversy of the fourth century, Catholics opposed the heresy of [[Arianism]].   

The word "catholic" means "universal" and refers to the non-Jewish church or gentile church that emerged in the first century. Its use as a name for the Church comes from Nicene-Constantinople Creed of 381, which defines the church as, "one, holy, catholic and apostolic." In the Christological controversy of the fourth century, Catholics opposed the heresy of [[Arianism]].   

The Roman Church has always been [[pro-life]] and its leadership is mostly [[conservative]], as illustrated by how it "launched a crackdown on the umbrella group that represents most of [[America]]'s 55,000 [[Catholic]] nuns" for "a prevalence of certain radical [[feminist]] themes incompatible with the Catholic [[faith]]."  The Church noted that "the group was not speaking out strongly enough against" [[abortion]].<ref>https://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/story/2012-04-18/american-nuns-vatican/54396560/1?csp=hf</ref>

The Catholic Church has always been [[pro-life]] and its leadership is mostly [[conservative]], as illustrated by how it "launched a crackdown on the umbrella group that represents most of [[America]]'s 55,000 [[Catholic]] nuns" for "a prevalence of certain radical [[feminist]] themes incompatible with the Catholic [[faith]]."  The Church noted that "the group was not speaking out strongly enough against" [[abortion]].<ref>https://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/story/2012-04-18/american-nuns-vatican/54396560/1?csp=hf</ref>

Members believe that theirs is the oldest [[Christian]] denomination in the world. It is certainly the largest, with more than 1.3 billion officially baptized adherents, or 17.4% of the world's population; over 64 million of these are in the [[United States]]. In recent years growth has been greatest in Africa and Latin America, while membership and influence have declined in Europe.

Members believe that theirs is the oldest [[Christian]] denomination in the world. It is certainly the largest, with more than 1.3 billion officially baptized adherents, or 17.4% of the world's population; over 64 million of these are in the [[United States]]. In recent years growth has been greatest in Africa and Latin America, while membership and influence have declined in Europe.

The Roman Catholic Church asserts that the Pope is the divinely-chosen successor of [[St. Peter]], believing him to be the 'rock' ([[Gospel of Matthew|Matthew]] 16:18) upon whom Jesus built his Church. The Roman Church consists of those Christians who are in full communion with the Pope.  This includes members both of the Latin Church and of the 23 Eastern Catholic Churches.  The Eastern Catholic Churches were once known as the "Uniate" Churches; though once used with pride at remaining in union with Rome after the [[Great Schism|East-West Schism]], this term has fallen out of use due to derogatory connotations that have come to be associated with it over the centuries.

The Roman Apostolic Catholic Church asserts that the Pope is the divinely-chosen successor of [[St. Peter]], believing him to be the 'rock' ([[Gospel of Matthew|Matthew]] 16:18) upon whom Jesus built his Church. The Catholic Church consists of those Christians who are in full communion with the Pope.  This includes members both of the Latin Church and of the 23 Eastern Catholic Churches.  The Eastern Catholic Churches were once known as the "Uniate" Churches; though once used with pride at remaining in union with Rome after the [[Great Schism|East-West Schism]], this term has fallen out of use due to derogatory connotations that have come to be associated with it over the centuries.

The Catholic [[gentile]] church has suffered several schisms over its history.  Most notable are those involving the Church of the East following the First Ephesian Council, the [[Oriental Orthodoxy|Oriental Orthodox]] churches following the [[Council of Chalcedon]], the [[Eastern Orthodoxy|Eastern Orthodox Church]] following the [[Great Schism]] of 1054, and the several [[Reformation]]s of the 16th century leading to the development of [[Protestantism]].

The Catholic [[gentile]] church has suffered several schisms over its history.  Most notable are those involving the Church of the East following the First Ephesian Council, the [[Oriental Orthodoxy|Oriental Orthodox]] churches following the [[Council of Chalcedon]], the [[Eastern Orthodoxy|Eastern Orthodox Church]] following the [[Great Schism]] of 1054, and the several [[Reformation]]s of the 16th century leading to the development of [[Protestantism]].

== Roman Catholic Church Rites (branches)==  

== Roman Catholic Church Rites (branches)==  

[[File:Notre-Dame de Paris, 4 October 2017.jpg|thumbnail|right|400px|[[Notre Dame de Paris]] ]]

[[File:Notre-Dame de Paris, 4 October 2017.jpg|thumbnail|right|400px|[[Notre Dame de Paris]] ]]

The Roman Catholic Church has many Rites (branches) <ref> https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/resource/56009/the-rites-of-the-catholic-church</ref> The Latin Rite is directly under the Pope. The others recognize the Pope as their shepherd but are administered by either a Patriarch, a Major Archbishop, a Metropolitan, or have some other arrangement. Patriarchs are elected by a synod of bishops of their Rite, and then request ecclesiastical communion from the Pope. Major Archbishops are also elected by a synod of bishops of their Rite, but then are approved by the Pope before they take office. Metropolitans are picked by the Pope from a list given by a synod of bishops. These Rites choose their own bishops. Each has its own cannon law and choose it own bishops; '''many rites have married catholic priests'''. These Rites may have their own dioceses in [[Christianity_in_North_America | North America]] and [[Christianity_in_South_America | South America]]. Most people only know of the Latin Rite dioceses. Below is a list of the Rites

The Catholic Church has many Rites (branches) <ref> https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/resource/56009/the-rites-of-the-catholic-church</ref> The Latin Rite is directly under the Pope. The others recognize the Pope as their shepherd but are administered by either a Patriarch, a Major Archbishop, a Metropolitan, or have some other arrangement. Patriarchs are elected by a synod of bishops of their Rite, and then request ecclesiastical communion from the Pope. Major Archbishops are also elected by a synod of bishops of their Rite, but then are approved by the Pope before they take office. Metropolitans are picked by the Pope from a list given by a synod of bishops. These Rites choose their own bishops. Each has its own cannon law and choose it own bishops; '''many rites have married catholic priests'''. These Rites may have their own dioceses in [[Christianity_in_North_America | North America]] and [[Christianity_in_South_America | South America]]. Most people only know of the Latin Rite dioceses. Below is a list of the Rites

*Latin Rite is directly under the Pope and has more than 90 percent of Roman Catholics.

*Latin Rite is directly under the Pope and has more than 90 percent of Roman Catholics.

*Armenia Rite in Armenia.

*Armenia Rite in Armenia.

* The divine commission of the Church and infallibility of revealed scriptural interpretation.

* The divine commission of the Church and infallibility of revealed scriptural interpretation.

[[File:Christ is King.jpg|thumbnail|280px|The Church teaches the doctrine of the [[Social Reign of Jesus Christ]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://catholic.net/op/articles/5433/the-doctrine-of-the-social-reign-of-christ-.html#:~:text=The%20principal%20doctrinal%20of%20the,Christ%2C%20Creator%2C%20and%20Savior.|title=The doctrine of the social reign of Christ - A still valid principle|quote=This doctrine belongs to the tradition of the Church and, as such, is also valid today and will always be|author=Stefano Fontana|publisher=Catholic.net}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vatican.va/content/pius-xi/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-xi_enc_11121925_quas-primas.html|title=QUAS PRIMAS|author=POPE PIUS XI|date=December 11, 1925|publisher=The [[Roman Catholic Church|Catholic Church]]|location=[[Vatican City]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|url=https://www.isje.org/cano/LuisCanoMedina-SanPIoXyelreinadosocialdeCristo.pdf|publisher=FACULTAD DE TEOLOGIA - PONTIFICIA UNIVERSIDAD DE LA SANTA CRUZ|title=San Pío X y el reinado social de Cristo|author=Luis Cano Medina|location=[[Rome]]|date=2003|language=es}}</ref>]]

[[File:Christ is King.jpg|thumbnail|280px|The Church teaches the doctrine of the [[Social Reign of Jesus Christ]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://catholic.net/op/articles/5433/the-doctrine-of-the-social-reign-of-christ-.html#:~:text=The%20principal%20doctrinal%20of%20the,Christ%2C%20Creator%2C%20and%20Savior.|title=The doctrine of the social reign of Christ - A still valid principle|quote=This doctrine belongs to the tradition of the Church and, as such, is also valid today and will always be|author=Stefano Fontana|publisher=Catholic.net}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vatican.va/content/pius-xi/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-xi_enc_11121925_quas-primas.html|title=QUAS PRIMAS|author=POPE PIUS XI|date=December 11, 1925|publisher=The Catholic Church|location=[[Vatican City]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|url=https://www.isje.org/cano/LuisCanoMedina-SanPIoXyelreinadosocialdeCristo.pdf|publisher=FACULTAD DE TEOLOGIA - PONTIFICIA UNIVERSIDAD DE LA SANTA CRUZ|title=San Pío X y el reinado social de Cristo|author=Luis Cano Medina|location=[[Rome]]|date=2003|language=es}}</ref>]]

The Catholic Church stresses that since the members, living and dead, share in each other's merits, the [[Virgin Mary]] and other saints and the dead in Purgatory are never forgotten,<ref>[http://www.bartleby.com/65/ro/RomanCat.html The Columbia Encyclopedia]</ref> may be addressed in prayer, and intercede with God on the behalf of the living.  The very physical and spiritual body and blood of Christ are believed to be present in the Eucharist, [[Transubstantiation|the bread and wine being Jesus himself]], replacing the material of bread and wine. The principal sources for the essential beliefs of the Catholic Church are the Sacred Scriptures (the Bible), Sacred Tradition, and the Living [[Magisterium]] of the Church.

The Catholic Church stresses that since the members, living and dead, share in each other's merits, the [[Virgin Mary]] and other saints and the dead in Purgatory are never forgotten,<ref>[http://www.bartleby.com/65/ro/RomanCat.html The Columbia Encyclopedia]</ref> may be addressed in prayer, and intercede with God on the behalf of the living.  The very physical and spiritual body and blood of Christ are believed to be present in the Eucharist, [[Transubstantiation|the bread and wine being Jesus himself]], replacing the material of bread and wine. The principal sources for the essential beliefs of the Catholic Church are the Sacred Scriptures (the Bible), Sacred Tradition, and the Living [[Magisterium]] of the Church.

Islam has become a significant a threat to Catholicism as well. Sharia Law's rejection of religious freedom and the ongoing genocide of Chaldean Rite Catholics in Iraq are among these threats. There is a very strong trend of Muslim immigration into Europe, which is subverting the judicial system towards a Sharia theocracy. This trend is fueled through assassinations and threats towards anti-Islamic politicians (such as [[Theo Van Gogh]] and [[Geert Wilders]]). While Christianity remains the world's largest religion, all denominations of Islam combined now outnumber Catholicism (the most popular Christian denomination).

Islam has become a significant a threat to Catholicism as well. Sharia Law's rejection of religious freedom and the ongoing genocide of Chaldean Rite Catholics in Iraq are among these threats. There is a very strong trend of Muslim immigration into Europe, which is subverting the judicial system towards a Sharia theocracy. This trend is fueled through assassinations and threats towards anti-Islamic politicians (such as [[Theo Van Gogh]] and [[Geert Wilders]]). While Christianity remains the world's largest religion, all denominations of Islam combined now outnumber Catholicism (the most popular Christian denomination).

The Church has taken stances on recent controversial issues, including opposing the [[Iraq War]],<ref>Richert, Scott P. "What Is the Papacy's Response to the War in Iraq?" About.com Catholicism. http://catholicism.about.com/od/thechurchintheworld/f/popes_on_iraq.htm</ref> supporting [[universal health care]] (including many aspects of [[Obamacare]]),<ref>Clarke, Kevin. "Papal prescription for universal health care." January 16, 2011. U.S. Catholic. http://www.uscatholic.org/culture/social-justice/2011/01/papal-prescription</ref> and supporting assistance to [[illegal immigrant]]s.<ref>Kerwin, Donald. "Immigration Reform and the Catholic Church." May, 2006. Migration Information Source. http://www.migrationinformation.org/Feature/display.cfm?id=395</ref> Some high-ranking officials of the Roman Catholic Church have falsely attacked conservative evangelical Christians and Roman Catholics in the United States for holding conservative views and supposedly supporting a "theocratic state."<ref>Williams, Thomas D. (July 14, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/07/14/papal-adviser-bashes-american-christians-in-bigoted-screed/ Papal Advisers Bash American Christians in Bigoted Screed]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved July 14, 2017.</ref><ref>Bowden, John (July 15, 2017). [https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/342168-top-allies-of-pope-francis-criticize-religious-trump-supporters Top allies of Pope Francis criticize religious Trump supporters]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved July 15, 2017.</ref> The Church continues to oppose birth control and abortion, as discussed above.

The Church has taken stances on recent controversial issues, including opposing the [[Iraq War]],<ref>Richert, Scott P. "What Is the Papacy's Response to the War in Iraq?" About.com Catholicism. http://catholicism.about.com/od/thechurchintheworld/f/popes_on_iraq.htm</ref> supporting [[universal health care]] (including many aspects of [[Obamacare]]),<ref>Clarke, Kevin. "Papal prescription for universal health care." January 16, 2011. U.S. Catholic. http://www.uscatholic.org/culture/social-justice/2011/01/papal-prescription</ref> and supporting assistance to [[illegal immigrant]]s.<ref>Kerwin, Donald. "Immigration Reform and the Catholic Church." May, 2006. Migration Information Source. http://www.migrationinformation.org/Feature/display.cfm?id=395</ref> Some high-ranking officials of the Catholic Church have falsely attacked conservative evangelical Christians and Catholics in the United States for holding conservative views and supposedly supporting a "theocratic state."<ref>Williams, Thomas D. (July 14, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/07/14/papal-adviser-bashes-american-christians-in-bigoted-screed/ Papal Advisers Bash American Christians in Bigoted Screed]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved July 14, 2017.</ref><ref>Bowden, John (July 15, 2017). [https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/342168-top-allies-of-pope-francis-criticize-religious-trump-supporters Top allies of Pope Francis criticize religious Trump supporters]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved July 15, 2017.</ref> The Church continues to oppose birth control and abortion, as discussed above.

== See also ==

== See also ==