Catholicism

What is Roman Catholicism?

Roman Catholicism is a Christian religious denomination whose adherents believe that the pope, as the bishop of Rome, is the head of the universal Church instituted by Jesus Christ.

The Roman Catholic Church is made up of several largely autonomous churches, all of which recognize the authority of the pope.

The Western church, also known as the Latin church, is under the direct jurisdiction of the pope, and it is by far the largest church; the Eastern churches, which are almost exclusively former Orthodox churches that have reconciled with Rome, have their own liturgies and hierarchy, but they too ultimately answer to the pope.

Not all religious denominations that have the word "Catholic" in their name, however, are part of the Roman Catholic Church. For instance, the Independent Catholic and Old Catholic churches are not affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church.

Style notes:

The Associated Press recommends using the terms "Roman Catholic" or "Roman Catholicism" on first reference, and then using "Catholic" or "Catholicism" in subsequent references.

To avoid confusing readers, reporters should, when referring to denominations with "Catholic" in their names that are not part of the Roman Catholic Church, make it clear that those denominations are not affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church.