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History & Society
Roman Catholicism
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History & Society
Recent News
Jan. 29, 2024, 6:39 AM ET (AP)
Islamic State group claims responsibility for an attack on an Istanbul church that killed one person
Jan. 28, 2024, 5:27 PM ET (AP)
2 masked men kill a person in attack on Catholic church in Istanbul. Officials detain 2 ISIS members
Jan. 28, 2024, 11:37 AM ET (AP)
Who was St. Brigid and why is she inspiring many 1,500 years after her death?
Jan. 15, 2024, 4:21 AM ET (AP)
Nicaraguan Bishop Rolando Álvarez and 18 priests arrive in Rome from prison, guests of Vatican
Jan. 11, 2024, 11:21 AM ET (AP)
Africa's Catholic hierarchy refuses same-sex blessings, says such unions are contrary to God's will
Top Questions
What is the difference between Christianity and Roman Catholicism?
Who founded Roman Catholicism?
What are the Roman Catholic sacraments?
Why is Roman Catholicism so prominent in Latin America?
Roman Catholicism, Christian church that has been the decisive spiritual force in the history of Western civilization. Along with Eastern Orthodoxy and Protestantism, it is one of the three major branches of Christianity. It is led by the pope, as the bishop of Rome, and the Holy See forms the church’s central government, making decisions on issues of faith and morality for the some 1.3 billion Catholics throughout the world; the Holy See is assisted by the Roman Curia, a group of dicasteries (also known as departments), congregations, and councils with specific functions and responsibilities relating to church matters such ...(100 of 56474 words)