Roman Catholicism is the largest Christian denomination in the world, with over 1 billion members. It traces its history back to the apostles and the early church. The Roman Catholic Church is led by the Pope, who resides in the Vatican City in Rome. Some of the key beliefs and practices of Roman Catholicism include:
Papacy and Church Structure
Catholics believe the Pope, the Bishop of Rome, is the successor of St. Peter and has supreme authority over the worldwide church (Matthew 16:18-19). Under the Pope are bishops, priests and deacons who lead dioceses and parishes. The church has a hierarchical structure. Catholics are expected to obey the Pope and church teachings.
Sacred Scripture and Tradition
Catholics believe God revealed himself through Sacred Scripture (the Bible) and Sacred Tradition. Scripture and Tradition together are the Word of God. The Bible is the inspired, inerrant Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16). Tradition refers to the living transmission of the Catholic faith handed down from the apostles and expressed in the church councils, creeds, sacraments, teachings and devotions.
Magisterium
The Magisterium is the teaching authority of the Roman Catholic Church. It consists of the Pope and bishops. Catholics believe the Holy Spirit guides and protects the church from officially teaching error on matters of faith and morals. The Magisterium interprets and authoritatively teaches the Word of God.
Sacraments
Catholics practice seven sacraments instituted by Christ: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony. The sacraments are visible signs and instruments of God’s grace. They confer sanctifying grace and strengthen a believer’s faith and union with Christ (1 Corinthians 11:23-26).
Eucharist
The center of Catholic worship is the Eucharist. During Mass, Catholics believe bread and wine become the actual body and blood of Jesus through transubstantiation. This re-presents Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross. The elements retain the appearance of bread and wine, but their substance changes. Participating in the Eucharist joins Catholics with Christ and other believers in a sacrificial communion.
Veneration of Saints
Catholics pray to saints in heaven for their intercession before God. Saints are role models of heroic faith and virtue. Catholics believe saints join their prayers with those on earth and pray for those in need (Revelation 5:8). However, only God answers prayer. Prayers to saints only ask for their prayers in turn.
Mary
Catholics have a high regard for the Virgin Mary as the mother of Jesus. They consider her a model of faith and the first Christian. Mary is “full of grace” (Luke 1:28) and “blessed” (Luke 1:42). However, adoration and worship belong to God alone. Catholics ask Mary to pray and intercede with God on their behalf.
Purgatory
Purgatory is where the souls of righteous dead undergo temporary punishment for unforgiven sins. The living can pray and offer Masses for souls in purgatory to expedite their passage to heaven. Purgatory purifies unrepentant mortal sins before one enters heaven (1 Corinthians 3:15). There are no second chances after death.
Indulgences
Indulgences remit temporal punishment for already-forgiven sins either on earth or in purgatory. They encourage holy living and spiritual discipline. Authorized by the church, indulgences draw on the merits of Christ and the saints. While no longer sold, performing certain devotional acts grants indulgences.
Papal Infallibility
Papal infallibility refers to the Pope being preserved from error when defining doctrines on faith or morals. It applies only when he speaks “ex cathedra,” or with supreme apostolic authority. Papal infallibility ensures unity and fidelity in church teachings. It does not mean the Pope himself is infallible in all things.
Clerical Celibacy
In the Latin Catholic Church priests take vows of celibacy, remaining unmarried and abstaining from sexual activity. Celibacy is seen as a gift allowing priests to serve God with an undivided heart. Married men can become priests in Eastern Catholic churches. Some exceptions to celibacy exist for converted married clergy.
Contraception
The Catholic Church condemns artificial contraception. Sexual acts must be open to procreation and the unity of the spouses. However, natural family planning methods are permitted. Abortion, sterilization, in vitro fertilization and surrogate motherhood are also deemed immoral as they violate the sanctity of human life.
Male Priesthood
The Catholic Church ordains only men to the priesthood. Jesus chose only male apostles. The church sees the priest as acting in the person of Christ, who took on male not female flesh. That Christ is the Heavenly Bridegroom and the church his bride reinforces the male nature of the priesthood.
Homosexuality
Catholicism opposes homosexual behavior and same-sex marriage as unnatural and sinful. However, the church teaches to treat homosexuals with dignity and respect while calling them to chastity. Catholics also oppose discrimination against homosexuals.
Salvation
Catholics believe in justification by God’s grace received through faith and good works, not faith alone. Faith must manifest itself in obedience and acts of charity, not remain alone (James 2:24). Through baptism, God’s grace erases original sin and all personal sins. But mortal sins must be absolved in confession.
Penance and Reconciliation
Catholics confess mortal sins to a priest during confession. Priests can absolve sins in God’s name. Through penance, including prayer, fasting, almsgiving and works of mercy, Catholics make satisfaction for sins after absolution. The priest imposes penance to repair the damage caused by sin.
Last Rites
Last Rites are ritually administered to dying Catholics. They include Confession, Anointing of the Sick, and Viaticum or final reception of Holy Communion. These sacraments prepare the soul to enter heaven, strengthening it for the journey and cleansing it from venial sins.
Marian Dogmas
Catholics hold several Marian dogmas regarding Mary as truth revealed by God. These include the Immaculate Conception, her conception without original sin; the Perpetual Virginity of Mary; her Assumption into heaven; and her Queenship as Queen of Heaven and Earth.
Conclusion
Roman Catholicism traces its origins to Jesus and the apostles through the bishops and the Pope. It is guided by Scripture and Tradition and the teaching authority of the Magisterium. Catholic worship centers on the sacraments, especially the Eucharist. Distinctive Catholic doctrines include the Real Presence, purgatory and indulgences. Catholics revere Mary and pray to the saints while worshiping God alone.