The term “catholic” comes through Latin from the Greek for “universal.” Until the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century, the Catholic Church was the only Christian Church and was simply referred to as “The Church.” Catholic was first used by the new Christian churches to distinguish themselves from the initial Church.
Founding of the Church
Jesus Christ founded the Catholic Church through his follower and companion, Peter the apostle. Christ told Peter that he was his “rock” and “on” him, Christ would build his church (Matthew 16.) This was re-stated after the resurrection when Christ publicly instructed Peter to “Feed my sheep” (John 21.) Peter was assigned as Jesus Christ’s proxy to tend to the needs of the growing body of believers after his ascension.
Peter’s position has been fulfilled by the pope, from the Latin and Greek, “papa.” One is selected pope, or, literally, “the bishop of Rome,” based on the teaching of Apostolic Succession, where the spiritual lineage of the pope is traced back to the original community of believers, the apostles. Papal infallibility is the teaching that the Holy Spirit keeps the pope from error through divine revelation, in certain situations. Papal infallibility does not mean that the pope is flawless or without the ability to be wrong or to sin. The pope rarely uses this authority, the last incident having taken place in 1950. Infallibility is defined as the Catholic Church allowing the pope to have the “last word” on what is accepted formal belief within the Church. The office of the papacy is one of service and the duties of the pope are carried out at Vatican City, an independent city-state and nation in the midst of the larger city of Rome, Italy.
What the Church Believes
The beliefs of the Church come from both Scripture and Apostolic Tradition, as explained in the New Testament writings of the apostle, Paul. Apostolic Tradition ensures that the oral teachings of Jesus and the apostles would endure when they had gone. (2 Tim: 2.2.) This continues in the writings of the early Church Fathers, theologians who were links in the chain of this succession, keeping vibrant the fundamentals of tradition passed down from the apostles. The Nicene Creed was developed at the Council of Nicaea, convened in 325 AD, by Roman Emperor Constantine the Great. This creed became the Church’s statement of faith, as well as a major factor in the spread of Christianity and continues to be used today.
Catholicism’s core beliefs are stated in the Nicene Creed, which focuses on the divinity, teachings and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The key element of Catholicism is the celebration of the Eucharist, a rite which Christ established at theLast Supper to be practiced in his memory (I Corinthians 11:24, 25.)
Catholicism can be viewed as mysterious and intimidating or as rich and full, waiting to be delved into, explored and discovered. Apart from the apparent complexity of the institution of the Catholic Church, there are a great many methods and means of spiritual expression. From the scholarly Jesuits to the humble Franciscans who take vows of poverty, there is something for everyone called to Catholicism.
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