Christian Traditions

What Is Catholicism?

Catholicism, the faith of the Roman Catholic Church, is the largest Christian tradition, with more than a billion members worldwide. Catholics believe the Church founded by Jesus continues in unbroken succession from the apostle Peter, led by the bishops in communion with the Pope. Their life centres on the seven sacraments, above all the Eucharist, in which they believe they truly receive the body and blood of Christ. They read Scripture alongside Sacred Tradition, and honour Mary and the saints as a great family praying with them before God.

What they believe and treasure

Catholics treasure the conviction that Christ established a visible Church and promised to guide it through the ages. They hold that the bishops are successors of the apostles, and that the Bishop of Rome, the Pope, serves as successor of Saint Peter and a visible centre of unity. Scripture and Sacred Tradition together, interpreted by the Church’s teaching office, carry the deposit of faith.

At the heart of Catholic life are the seven sacraments, baptism, confirmation, the Eucharist, reconciliation (confession), anointing of the sick, holy orders, and matrimony, understood as real encounters with God’s grace. The Mass is the centre of everything: Catholics believe the bread and wine truly become the body and blood of Christ. They love Mary as the mother of the Lord and ask the saints to pray for them, as one would ask a friend, never worshipping them in the place of God.

What they share with all Christians

For all that is distinctive about it, Catholicism confesses the same Christ as every other Christian tradition. Catholics say the Nicene Creed at every Mass, worship the one God, and stake everything on Jesus Christ, crucified and risen for the world.

These are the words of the one faith the Nicene Creed puts on the lips of every Christian: one God, one Lord Jesus Christ, crucified and risen. On this the whole family stands together.

What is distinctive

What sets Catholicism apart is chiefly its understanding of authority and the sacraments. Catholics hold that the Pope, teaching definitively on faith and morals in union with the bishops, is preserved from error, a claim other Christians do not share. They believe in purgatory, a purifying grace after death, and hold distinctive teachings about Mary, including her immaculate conception and assumption.

These are the very points where Christians honestly differ. Protestants read Scripture as the final authority and understand salvation as God’s free gift received by faith; the Orthodox share much with Catholics but do not accept the universal jurisdiction of the Pope. It is fair and important to say that faithful Christians hold different views here, and hold them in good conscience.

What to expect if you visit

A Catholic service is called the Mass. Expect a set liturgy that has changed little in centuries: readings from Scripture, a homily, prayers, and the Eucharist. People make the sign of the cross, kneel, and stand at set moments; there may be incense, candles, and sung or spoken responses. Visitors are warmly welcome to attend, though receiving communion is normally reserved for Catholics. You do not need to know the choreography; simply arrive a little early, follow along, and you will be received kindly.