[edit] Guide Note
The Roman Catholic Church is the world's oldest1 and largest2 Christian church. Catholics look to the Pope as their authority in spiritual matters.
[edit] Fast Facts
- Catholic: Greek word, meaning "universal"2
- 1.1 billion Catholics worldwide2
- 17.3% of the world's population2
- 182 cardinals2
- 69.1 million U.S. Roman Catholics3
[edit] Catholic Beliefs
- Jesus was the son of God4
- Holy Trinity: Three divine persons who are one God5
- Transubstantiation: Bread and wine become the body and blood of Jesus during Holy Communion6
- Immaculate Conception: Mary, the mother of Jesus, was a virgin7
[edit] Resurrection of the Body
The Roman Catholic Church teaches that Jesus rose from the dead on Easter Sunday. Catholics believe that when Jesus returns at the end of the world he will physically resurrect all who have died.8
[edit] Quotes
"And I say to thee: That thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."—Jesus of Nazareth9
""There are not over a 100 people in the U.S. that hate the Catholic Church, there are millions however, who hate what they wrongly believe to be the Catholic Church -- which is, of course, quite a different thing." —Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen10
