Rachel Evans
Catholicism, or the Catholic Church, is the largest Christian church in the world, with 1.27 to 1.41 billion baptised members worldwide as of 2025. The Catholic Church consists of 24 autonomous churches, including the Latin Church and 23 Eastern Catholic Churches. The core beliefs of Catholicism are found in the Nicene Creed, which was written in 325 AD. Catholics believe in the Holy Trinity: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. They also believe in the divine gift of God's grace, which enables spiritual growth and salvation, and is imparted through seven sacraments instituted by Jesus Christ, including Baptism, the Eucharist, and Confirmation. The Catholic Mass is a Eucharistic celebration of the Last Supper of Jesus, during which Catholics believe they receive Christ in Holy Communion.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Belief in the Holy Trinity | God is one being with three aspects: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit |
| Faith in the Incarnation | God became human in the person of Jesus Christ |
| Authority of the Church | The Pope is the head of the Church on Earth, guiding the faithful and interpreting scripture |
| The Sacraments | Rituals such as Baptism, Eucharist, Confession, and Marriage are signs of God's grace |
| Belief in the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist | During Mass, the bread and wine used for Communion become the actual body and blood of Christ |
| Devotion to the Virgin Mary and Saints | The Virgin Mary is the Mother of God, and Saints are powerful allies and examples of holy living |
| Belief in the Afterlife | Heaven, hell, and purgatory exist. Those who die in a state of grace will have eternal life with God in heaven |
| Importance of Good Works | Good works, performed in faith, are an essential part of Christian discipleship |
| Emphasis on Social Justice and Care for the Vulnerable | Followers are called to seek the welfare of others, promote human dignity, and address social issues |
| Belief in the Second Coming of Christ | Jesus will return at the end of time to judge the living and the dead and establish his kingdom |
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What You'll Learn
Belief in the Holy Trinity
The Holy Trinity is the central mystery of the Christian faith. The Catholic Church believes in the Holy Trinity, which holds that God is one, comprising three distinct but inseparable persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. This is also expressed as "one God in Trinity, and Trinity in Unity".
The Nicene Creed, written at the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD and revised in 381 AD, is a statement of faith that includes belief in the Holy Trinity. Catholics typically say the Nicene Creed at every Sunday Mass. The Apostles' Creed, developed by the Catholic Church in the first few centuries, also affirms belief in the Holy Trinity.
The three persons of the Holy Trinity are understood to be united in love, with each possessing the same divine nature. This is likened to a family, where a mother and father share a love that can result in a child. However, the three persons of the Holy Trinity are coeternal, without beginning or end.
The Catholic Mass, or the Eucharist, is a celebration of God's word in Scriptures and the real presence of Jesus Christ in the form of bread and wine. The Mass is also an opportunity to affirm belief in the Holy Trinity through the profession of the Nicene Creed.
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Saints and their intercession
Saints, according to Catholic belief, are holy men and women who came before and continue to pray for and aid the living. Many Catholic churches are named after these saints. When Catholics pray to saints, they ask for their intercession, similar to how one might ask a friend or family member to pray for them. Catholics believe that God hears not only their prayers but also the prayers of the saints on their behalf.
The practice of asking saints for intercession is known as the intercession of the saints. This practice is supported by Catholic doctrine, which states that those in heaven can intercede with God on behalf of those on Earth. The Bible also directs followers to invoke those in heaven and ask them to pray with them. For example, in Psalm 103, followers are instructed to pray:
> "Bless the Lord, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, hearkening to the voice of his word! Bless the Lord, all his hosts, his ministers that do his will!" (Psalm 103:20–21)
The Catechism of the Catholic Church, a compendium of essential Catholic teachings, states:
> "Being more closely united to Christ, those who dwell in heaven fix the whole Church more firmly in holiness... They do not cease to intercede with the Father for us, as they proffer the merits which they acquired on earth through the one mediator between God and men, Christ Jesus... So by their fraternal concern is our weakness greatly helped." (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 956)
Angels are also believed to play a role in bringing prayers to God:
> "The smoke of the incense rose with the prayers of the saints from the hand of the angel before God." (Revelation 8:4)
Some critics argue that the practice of praying to saints takes away from the adoration that belongs only to God. Catholics respond to this objection by affirming that if praying to saints detracts from one's devotion to God, then it should be stopped immediately. They also emphasize that prayers to saints do not replace prayers to God, but rather, serve as additional support.
Additionally, Catholics believe that saints in heaven have eternity to answer petitions, and that an infinite number of petitions would require an omniscient mind, which God can certainly grant.
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The seven sacraments
Catholicism is the largest Christian church, with 1.27 to 1.41 billion baptised members worldwide as of 2025. The Catholic Church teaches that it is the "one true church", the "universal sacrament of salvation for the human race", and "the one true religion".
At the core of the Catholic faith is the belief in one God, who exists as three distinct yet inseparable persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. This triune God is the creator and sustainer of the universe and is characterised by infinite love, mercy, and justice.
Catholics believe that God's grace, a divine gift that enables spiritual growth and salvation, is imparted through seven sacraments instituted by Jesus Christ. These seven sacraments are:
Baptism
Baptism welcomes individuals into the Church and marks their membership in God's family. Through baptism, individuals are cleansed of original sin and equipped with special gifts to live as part of God's family.
Eucharist
The Eucharist, also known as Holy Communion, is the real presence of Jesus Christ in the form of bread and wine. This sacrament provides spiritual nourishment and grace, bringing individuals into sacramental union with Christ. The Eucharist is celebrated during the Catholic Mass, commemorating the Last Supper of Jesus.
Confirmation
Confirmation empowers individuals with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, enabling them to take ownership of their faith and approach life positively with God's grace. It nurtures their relationship with the Holy Spirit and helps them lead a Christian life, fulfilling their God-given potential.
Reconciliation
Reconciliation, also known as confession, is the sacrament through which Catholics confess their sins, make a firm commitment to change their lives, and receive God's forgiveness and grace through the priest. Jesus established this sacrament when he said, "If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven" (John 20:21-23).
The other three sacraments
The remaining three sacraments are Ordination, Marriage, and Anointing of the Sick. While not discussed in the sources provided, these sacraments are recognised as part of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church.
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The Church is the one true church
The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the largest Christian church, with 1.27 to 1.41 billion baptised members worldwide as of 2025. It is one of the world's oldest and largest international institutions and has played a significant role in the history and development of Western civilisation. The Church consists of 24 autonomous churches, including the Latin Church and 23 Eastern Catholic Churches, each overseen by one or more bishops.
The Catholic Church teaches that it is the "one true church", the "universal sacrament of salvation for the human race", and "the one true religion". This belief is expressed in the Nicene Creed, which states that the Church is "one, holy, catholic, and apostolic". These are collectively referred to as the Four Marks of the Church. The Nicene Creed, written in 325 AD at the Council of Nicaea, is a statement of Christian beliefs that Catholics profess every Sunday at Mass.
The Catholic Church believes that its founder is Jesus Christ, who is both fully divine and fully human. According to the New Testament, Jesus appointed the apostles, telling the Apostle Peter, "You are the rock on which I will build my church. The gates of hell will not prevail against it." Every pope since then has been part of an unbroken line of succession from Peter, the first pope. The pope, as the bishop of Rome, is the chief pastor of the Church.
The Church believes that it is continually guided by the Holy Spirit as it addresses new theological issues and is protected from falling into doctrinal error when a firm decision is reached. It holds that divine revelation has one source, God, and two modes of transmission: Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition, interpreted by the Magisterium. The Catechism of the Catholic Church is a comprehensive summary of Catholic doctrine, morals, and worship.
The seven sacraments instituted by Jesus Christ are central to Catholic belief and practice. These include Baptism, which welcomes individuals into the Church and marks their membership in God's family, and the Eucharist, where the real presence of Jesus Christ in the bread and wine is received through Holy Communion.
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The Bible and the Catechism
The Bible is made up of the Old and New Testaments, with the New Testament recording several events considered integral to the establishment of the Catholic Church, including Jesus' activities and teachings, and his appointment of the apostles. The four Gospels within the New Testament document Christ's teachings and the example he provided for his followers. Christ is understood as being both fully divine and fully human and is believed to have remained sinless during his time on earth. His crucifixion is understood as a sacrifice to reconcile humanity to God, known as the Paschal Mystery.
The Catechism is derived from the Greek word "catechesis", meaning oral teaching. It describes the Catholic Church as the "one true church", the "universal sacrament of salvation for the human race", and the "one true religion". The Catechism also refers to the Church as the "one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church", with these four descriptions collectively known as the Four Marks of the Church. The Nicene Creed, written in 325 AD, is considered a summary of essential Catholic beliefs and is professed by Catholics at every Sunday Mass.
The Catechism and the Bible are closely linked, with the Catechism providing an authentic interpretation of Sacred Scripture. The Catechism also extends to matters of faith and morals, such as the belief that the Church is continually guided by the Holy Spirit and is protected from falling into doctrinal error. This infallibility is a key aspect of Catholic doctrine, extending to the definitions proposed by the Church's supreme Magisterium for "belief as being divinely revealed".
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Frequently asked questions
Catholics believe in one God, who exists in three distinct yet inseparable persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. This triune God is the creator and sustainer of the universe and is characterised by infinite love, mercy, and justice.
The Catholic Mass is a Eucharistic celebration and a celebration of God's word in Scriptures. It is a common name for the celebration of the Last Supper of Jesus or the Eucharist, derived from the Latin word "missa", meaning "to be sent".
The Pope, as the bishop of Rome, is the chief pastor and founder of the Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church. He is considered to be the successor of Christ and the first Pope was Peter, the Apostle.
