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The '''Catholic Church''', also known as the '''Roman Catholic Church''', is the largest Christian denomination, with approximately 1.39 billion baptized members worldwide as of 2023.<ref>{{cite web|title=Annuario Pontificio 2023|url=https://www.vatican.va|access-date=2025-05-02|website=Vatican.va}}</ref> It traces its origins to [[Jesus Christ]] and the [[Twelve Apostles|apostles]], particularly [[Saint Peter|St. Peter]], whom Catholics believe was appointed by Christ as the first [[Pope]]. Headquartered in [[Vatican City]], the Church is led by the Pope, who serves as the [[Bishop | The '''Catholic Church''', also known as the '''Roman Catholic Church''', is the largest Christian denomination, with approximately 1.39 billion baptized members worldwide as of 2023.<ref>{{cite web|title=Annuario Pontificio 2023|url=https://www.vatican.va|access-date=2025-05-02|website=Vatican.va}}</ref> It traces its origins to [[Jesus Christ]] and the [[Twelve Apostles|apostles]], particularly [[Saint Peter|St. Peter]], whom Catholics believe was appointed by Christ as the first [[Pope]]. Headquartered in [[Vatican City]], the Church is led by the Pope, who serves as the [[Bishop of Rome]] and supreme pontiff. The Catholic Church teaches that it is the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church founded by Christ, entrusted with the mission to proclaim the [[Gospel]] and administer the [[Sacraments of the Catholic Church|sacraments]] for the salvation of souls.<ref>{{cite book|title=Catechism of the Catholic Church|publisher=Vatican Publishing House|year=1994|section=811-870}}</ref> | ||
The Church’s influence spans centuries, shaping Western civilization through its contributions to art, education, science, and morality. It operates a vast network of [[Parish|parishes]], schools, hospitals, and charitable organizations, reflecting its commitment to both spiritual and corporal works of mercy. The Catholic Church maintains a rich tradition of theology, [[Liturgy|liturgy]], and [[Canon law of the Catholic Church|canon law]], rooted in [[Bible|Scripture]] and [[Sacred Tradition|Tradition]]. Its global presence is organized into [[Diocese|dioceses]] and archdioceses, overseen by [[Bishop|bishops]] in communion with the Pope. Despite challenges such as secularization and internal reforms, the Church remains a central force in global Christianity, engaging in ecumenical dialogue and addressing contemporary issues through its social teachings.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lumen Gentium|url=https://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_const_19641121_lumen-gentium_en.html|access-date=2025-05-02|website=Vatican.va|date=1964}}</ref> | The Church’s influence spans centuries, shaping Western civilization through its contributions to art, education, science, and morality. It operates a vast network of [[Parish|parishes]], schools, hospitals, and charitable organizations, reflecting its commitment to both spiritual and corporal works of mercy. The Catholic Church maintains a rich tradition of theology, [[Liturgy|liturgy]], and [[Canon law of the Catholic Church|canon law]], rooted in [[Bible|Scripture]] and [[Sacred Tradition|Tradition]]. Its global presence is organized into [[Diocese|dioceses]] and archdioceses, overseen by [[Bishop|bishops]] in communion with the Pope. Despite challenges such as secularization and internal reforms, the Church remains a central force in global Christianity, engaging in ecumenical dialogue and addressing contemporary issues through its social teachings.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lumen Gentium|url=https://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_const_19641121_lumen-gentium_en.html|access-date=2025-05-02|website=Vatican.va|date=1964}}</ref> | ||