Catholic~33 AD
Roman Catholic
📍 Jerusalem, Roman Empire
The original apostolic church. Centred on the Eucharist, the papacy, and sacred tradition.
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Denomination Explorer
Christianity is not one tradition. It is a family shaped by centuries of faith, geography, and the many ways people have met God. Explore the full family here. All branches. No judgment.
Catholic~1724 (formal union with Rome)
Melkite Greek Catholic
📍 Syria, Lebanon, Palestine
Eastern Catholics of the Byzantine rite in full communion with Rome.
Learn moreCatholic~5th century (St Maron); continuous communion with Rome
Maronite
📍 Syria / Lebanon (Mount Lebanon)
Lebanon's ancient mountain church - never separated from Rome.
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The Catholic Church traces its origins to the apostles and the early Christian community in Jerusalem. It holds that Jesus Christ founded one Church and appointed Peter as its head, with the Bishop of Rome (the Pope) as Peter's successor. Through the centuries it has maintained apostolic succession, the sacraments, and a body of sacred tradition alongside Scripture.
Core beliefs
- Authority of the Pope and Magisterium
- Seven sacraments, especially the Eucharist (Real Presence)
- Sacred Tradition alongside Scripture
- Communion of saints; veneration of Mary and the saints
- Purgatory and prayers for the dead
Worship style
Liturgical Mass (Eucharistic liturgy) at the centre, with ritual, vestments, incense, and sacred art. The Rosary, Liturgy of the Hours, and feast days mark the devotional calendar. Latin and vernacular both in use.
Key scriptures
- Matthew 16:18–19
- John 6:53–58
- 2 Thessalonians 2:15
- 1 Corinthians 11:23–26
Relationship to other denominations
Sees itself as the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. Orthodox share much theology but reject papal supremacy; Protestants broke away over authority and doctrine.