Catholicism refers to the traditions, beliefs, and practices of the Catholic Church, which is the largest Christian church in the world with 1.3 billion baptized Catholics worldwide as of 2019. The Catholic Church is among the worlds oldest and largest international institutions and has played a prominent role in the history and development of Western civilization. The church consists of 24 sui iuris churches, including the Latin Church and 23 Eastern Catholic Churches, which comprise almost 3,500 dioceses and eparchies located around the world.

The core beliefs of Catholicism are found in the Nicene Creed, which includes the belief in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible, and in one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. The Catholic Church teaches that it is the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic church founded by Jesus Christ in his Great Commission, that its bishops are the successors of Christs apostles, and that the pope is the successor to Saint Peter, upon whom primacy was conferred by Jesus Christ.

Catholics share Jesus’ vision and model their lives after Jesus’ example of love. They are called to care for one another and to use their unique gifts and talents for the good of the community and the world. Catholics acknowledge the primacy of the Pope and respect the office of the papacy as the true teaching authority of the Church. They seek guidance for moral decisions from the pope and the bishops in communion with him. Catholics are also devoted to Mary, the Mother of God, and see the saints as true examples of holiness and faith. They pray through Mary and the saints and ask them to intercede for them. Catholics are committed to the protection of all human life, from the moment of conception until natural death, and work to live lives centered on the Gospel and to live for others, rather than just for themselves.