Ethan Walker
Catholicism is a Christian religion, a reformation of the Jewish faith that follows the teachings of its founder, Jesus Christ. The Catholic Church is the largest Christian denomination in the world, with 1.27 to 1.41 billion baptised Catholics worldwide as of 2025. The Pope, who resides in Vatican City, is the bishop of Rome and the chief pastor of the church. The core beliefs of Catholicism are found in the Nicene Creed, which states that God is universal and loves everyone, that Jesus Christ came to save all people, and that no one who is sinful will make it into heaven. Catholics believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God and that the church is a gift from God founded by Jesus Christ himself.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Belief in the Holy Spirit | The Lord, the giver of life |
| Belief in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church | The original Christian Church |
| Belief in the Bible as the word of God | The Bible is the main religious document of the Catholic religion |
| Belief in the Virgin Mary as the mother of God | Mary is honoured as first among the saints |
| Belief in the sacrament of reconciliation | The idea of confessing our sins to another person |
| Belief in the Catechism of the Catholic Church | A compendium of the essential teachings of the Catholic faith |
| Belief in the Pope as the successor of Saint Peter | The first pope was the apostle Peter |
| Belief in the Nicene Creed | The core beliefs of Catholicism are found in the Nicene Creed |
| Belief in the Trinity | God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit |
| Belief in the Incarnation | God became united with human nature through the power of the Holy Spirit |
| Belief in the sacraments | Seven sacraments instituted by Jesus Christ |
| Belief in the Eucharist | The real presence of Jesus Christ in bread and wine |
| Belief in the Great Commission | The Catholic Church was founded by Jesus Christ in his Great Commission |
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What You'll Learn
The Bible is the inspired word of God
Catholics believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God. The Bible is the main religious document of the Catholic faith and is comprised of 73 books, including 46 Old Testament and 27 New Testament writings. The Catholic Church has defined the canon of Scripture, deciding which books are included in the Bible.
The Bible is considered to be a sacred text, containing the word of God. This is distinct from Sacred Tradition, which refers to the teachings believed to have been handed down from the Apostles. Sacred Tradition is also considered to be the Word of God, and together with Sacred Scripture, comprises the deposit of the Word of God.
The Bible is interpreted by the Magisterium, which is the teaching authority of the Catholic Church. The Church believes that it is protected from falling into doctrinal error and is guided by the Holy Spirit as it interprets Scripture and Tradition. This belief in the inspiration of Scripture means that Catholics view the Bible as more than just a historical or literary text, but as a living and authoritative source of divine revelation.
The Bible is read and studied by Catholics as a way to deepen their understanding of God and his message for humanity. It is also used in worship and liturgical rituals, with passages being read aloud during Mass and other religious services. The Bible is seen as a source of spiritual nourishment and guidance for Catholics, providing a foundation for their faith and practice.
The belief in the inspiration of Scripture is a fundamental aspect of Catholic theology and shapes how Catholics understand and interpret the Bible. This belief also underscores the importance of Scripture in the life of the Church and its members, as well as informing their understanding of God and his self-revelation through Jesus Christ.
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God is universal and loves everyone
The Catholic Church is the largest Christian denomination in the world, with 1.27 to 1.41 billion baptised Catholics worldwide as of 2025. The core beliefs of Catholicism are found in the Nicene Creed, which states that the Catholic Church is the "one, holy, catholic, and apostolic church". The word "catholic" comes from the Greek word meaning "universal".
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. God is believed to be present in beauty, and the Catholic Church has commissioned and preserved some of the world's greatest artworks, such as the Sistine Chapel and the Pietà.
The Catholic Mass is a Eucharistic celebration and a celebration of God's word in Scriptures. The Eucharist is the real presence of Jesus Christ in the form of bread and wine, received through Holy Communion. This belief dates back to the early Church, when Jesus said at the Last Supper, "Take this and eat – this is my body; take this and drink – this is my blood".
Prayer is an important aspect of Catholic life, and there are five types of prayer performed by Catholics: blessing, petition, intercession, thanksgiving, and praise. Prayers may be directed to God or the saints, and Catholics strive to witness God's love through their actions and service to others.
The Catholic God is indeed universal and loving to everyone. This is reflected in the belief that Jesus Christ came to save all people and that God's grace is imparted through the seven sacraments, which are open to all.
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Jesus Christ is the saviour
The Catholic Church is the largest Christian denomination in the world, with 1.27 to 1.41 billion baptised members worldwide. It is among the oldest and largest international institutions and has played a prominent role in the history and development of Western civilisation.
Catholics believe that Jesus Christ is the saviour and the "Second Person" of the Trinity, God the Son. The belief is that through the Incarnation, God united with human nature through the conception of Christ in the womb of the Virgin Mary. Christ is therefore understood as being both fully divine and fully human, including possessing a human soul.
Jesus Christ is believed to have remained sinless while on earth and to have sacrificed himself to reconcile humanity to God. This reconciliation is known as the Paschal Mystery. The Greek term "Christ" and the Hebrew "Messiah" both refer to the belief that Jesus' death and resurrection fulfilled the Old Testament's messianic prophecies.
The Catholic Mass is a Eucharistic celebration and a celebration of God's word in the Scriptures. The Eucharist is believed to be the real presence of Jesus Christ in the form of bread and wine, received through Holy Communion.
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". The core beliefs of Catholicism are found in the Nicene Creed, written in 325 AD at the Council of Nicaea.
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The Pope is the leader of the Catholic Church
Catholicism is a Christian religion, a reformation of the Jewish faith that follows the teachings of its founder, Jesus Christ. The Catholic Church is the original Christian Church, which began when Jesus said to the Apostle Peter, "You are the rock on which I will build my church. The gates of hell will not prevail against it." The Pope is the leader of the Catholic Church, and every Pope since then has been part of an unbroken line of succession since Peter, the first Pope.
The Pope is the supreme pastor and bishop of Rome, and the head of the worldwide Catholic Church. He is also known as the sovereign pontiff or supreme pontiff. The Pope resides in Vatican City, an ecclesiastical state and enclave surrounded by Rome. Traditionally, the Pope lives inside the Vatican Palace, but Pope Francis (2013-2025) broke from this tradition by opting for a two-room apartment in the Domus Sanctae Marthae. The current Pope, elected on 8 May 2025, is Pope Leo XIV (formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost).
The Pope leads the central government of the Catholic Church, making decisions on faith and morality for the world's 1.3 billion Catholics. The Pope has full and supreme power of jurisdiction over the universal church in matters of faith and morals, as well as in church discipline and government. The Pope is the successor to Peter and the first bishop of Rome. The basis of the doctrine of papal primacy involves the place of St. Peter in the New Testament, where Jesus gave Peter the Keys of Heaven and the powers of "binding and loosing", naming him as the rock upon which the Church would be built.
The Catholic Church teaches that the pastoral office, held by the apostles as a group with Saint Peter as their head, is now held by their successors, the bishops, with the bishop of Rome (the Pope) as their head. The Pope is also responsible for canonizing saints.
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The Holy Spirit is the giver of life
Catholicism is a Christian religion, a reformation of the Jewish faith that follows the teachings of its founder, Jesus Christ. The Catholic Church is the original Christian Church, which began when Jesus said to the Apostle Peter, "You are the rock on which I will build my church. The gates of hell will not prevail against it." The Holy Spirit, the Lord and giver of life, is central to the Catholic faith.
The Nicene Creed, formulated in 381 AD, describes the Holy Spirit as "the Lord, the giver of life". In the Bible, God breathed life into Adam, the first man, and he became a living being (Genesis 2:7). The Holy Spirit gave life to humanity in the beginning, gives spiritual life to believers in the present, and will give life to lifeless bodies in the future. The Holy Spirit is the one who will raise the dead and give eternal life.
The Holy Spirit is also involved in the history of Jesus. The fruit of Mary's womb comes to life "through the power of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 1:18; Luke 1:35). Jesus' whole mission is guided by the Holy Spirit, and the Resurrection is a testament to this power (Romans 8:11). The Holy Spirit is equal to the Father and the Son and is the principal agent of the Gospel of life, which the Church proclaims and bears witness to.
The presence of the Holy Spirit in believers is not meant to alienate or remove them from human affairs. Instead, it penetrates and moves their entire being—intellect, will, emotions, and bodily nature—imbuing space and time with the newness of the Gospel. The Holy Spirit gives new life from heaven, as Jesus emphasised when he said, "You must be born again" (John 3:6, 7 NLT).
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Frequently asked questions
Catholics believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, and the giver of life, who is adored and glorified and has spoken through the prophets. They believe in one God, existing in three distinct yet inseparable persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit.
The Catholic Mass is a Eucharistic celebration and a celebration of God's word in the Scriptures. It is believed that during the Last Supper, Jesus gave his followers the gift of his real presence in the form of bread and wine.
No, Catholics do not worship Mary. They pray to her through traditional prayers such as the Hail Mary and the rosary. Mary is considered the greatest among the saints as she is the mother of God and the mother of the Church.
