Catholicism

Catholicism
Jebulon · CC0 · source
Name	Catholicism
Caption	Saint Peter's Basilica, Vatican City
Type	Christian tradition
Scripture	Bible
Theology	Scholasticism; Thomism
Founder	Jesus
Founded place	Jerusalem
Headquarters	Vatican City
Leader	Pope
Members	"approx. 1.3 billion"

Contents

Catholicism is a major Christian tradition centered on the papal office and sacramental life originating in Jerusalem and spreading through Rome, Constantinople, and later Avignon. It developed doctrines articulated by figures such as Augustine of Hippo, Thomas Aquinas, and councils including Council of Nicaea and Council of Trent. Institutions like the Holy See, Jesuits, and Dominican Order shaped missionary expansion to regions like Latin America, Philippines, and Sub-Saharan Africa.

History

The historical development traces from apostolic foundations attributed to Saint Peter and Saint Paul through early controversies at the Council of Nicaea and schisms like the East–West Schism; medieval consolidation under the Holy Roman Empire and papal reforms culminated in conflicts with figures such as Martin Luther during the Protestant Reformation. The Council of Trent responded with the Counter-Reformation, buttressed by orders including the Society of Jesus and events like the Council of Constance. Modern eras saw ultramontanism affirmed at the First Vatican Council and aggiornamento at the Second Vatican Council, while diplomatic interactions involved treaties like the Lateran Treaty and crises such as the Spanish Civil War impacting Spanish Inquisition legacies. Missionary activity followed explorers like Christopher Columbus to New Spain, Portuguese Empire, and French colonial empire, shaping encounters with indigenous societies in Americas and Philippines.

Doctrine rests on scriptures like the Bible and authoritative teachings of councils such as Council of Chalcedon, with theological schools including Scholasticism and movements exemplified by Thomism and Neo-Scholasticism. Key dogmas include the Trinity, the Incarnation, the role of Mary with dogmas promulgated in contexts like First Vatican Council and Second Vatican Council, and sacramental theology formalized by theologians like St. Augustine and Thomas Aquinas. Moral theology engages with principles advanced by documents such as encyclicals issued by popes like Pope Leo XIII and Pope John Paul II addressing social issues linked to events like the Industrial Revolution and movements like Catholic social teaching. Debates over justification involved disputants such as Martin Luther and councils like Council of Trent.

Liturgy centers on rites codified in texts like the Roman Missal and shaped by traditions such as the Tridentine Mass and post-conciliar liturgies from Second Vatican Council. Sacraments—most notably Eucharist, Baptism, and Confirmation—trace theological articulation through figures like Ignatius of Loyola and councils including Council of Trent. Devotional practices encompass the Rosary, eucharistic adoration at sites like Santiago de Compostela and pilgrimages to shrines such as Lourdes and Fátima. Monastic and mendicant expressions involve orders like the Benedictines, Franciscans, and Dominicans influencing worship rhythms exemplified in abbeys like Cluny Abbey.

Authority is hierarchical with offices including the Pope, Cardinal, Bishop, and parish clergy, centered administratively in the Holy See and Roman Curia. Religious orders such as the Jesuits, Franciscans, and Dominican Order operate alongside diocesan structures exemplified by sees like Archdiocese of Canterbury (historic reference), Archdiocese of New York, and metropolitan provinces in regions like Europe and Africa. Canon law codified in the Code of Canon Law governs sacramental discipline, while ecumenical dialogues involve bodies such as the World Council of Churches and bilateral commissions with Eastern Orthodox Church and Anglican Communion.

Catholic institutions influenced art movements and creators like Michelangelo, Raphael, Caravaggio, and composers such as Palestrina and Mozart; architectural legacies include St. Peter's Basilica and Gothic cathedrals like Chartres Cathedral and Notre-Dame de Paris. Educational networks founded orders like the Jesuits and universities such as the University of Paris, University of Bologna, University of Salamanca, Pontifical Gregorian University shaped intellectual history alongside legal developments including canon law and concordats like the Lateran Treaty. Political interactions involved states and leaders such as Napoleon Bonaparte, Benito Mussolini, Charles de Gaulle, and Francisco Franco while social movements included Catholic labour movements, charities like Caritas Internationalis, and healthcare systems operated by congregations such as the Sisters of Mercy. Contemporary cultural debates engage media coverage of events like papal visits to World Youth Day and responses to crises including clerical abuse investigations involving national inquiries in Ireland, Australia, and United States.

Category:Christian denominations