The Catholic Church

The Catholic Church is the community of all baptized believers united under the authority of the Pope — the Bishop of Rome and successor of St. Peter — in one faith, one sacramental life, and one apostolic governance (CCC 816).

Founded by Jesus Christ

The Church was founded by Jesus Christ, who chose twelve Apostles, gave Peter a unique primacy (Matthew 16:18–19), and at Pentecost sent the Holy Spirit to empower the Apostles for their universal mission. The Church was willed, founded, and built by Christ — not a human institution that evolved over time (CCC 763–769).

The Four Marks

The Nicene Creed professes that the Church is One (united in faith, baptism, and leadership), Holy (sanctified by Christ and the Spirit), Catholic (universal — sent to all peoples in all times), and Apostolic (built on the Apostles and their successors in an unbroken line) (CCC 813–865).

Both Human and Divine

The Church is simultaneously a divine institution and a human one — the Body of Christ animated by the Holy Spirit, made up of sinners who need conversion. Her holiness comes from Christ, not from the perfection of her members (CCC 770, 827).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Catholic Church the one true Church? The Church teaches that the one Church of Christ "subsists in" the Catholic Church, while acknowledging that elements of truth and sanctification exist in other Christian communities (CCC 816–819).

Why does the Church have a Pope? Christ himself established the primacy of Peter as the foundation of unity for the whole Church. The Pope, as Peter's successor, serves as the perpetual and visible principle of that unity (CCC 881–882).