Catholicism
Roman Catholicism, often just Catholicism (Gk: katholikós, "universal [church]") is a Christian sect and religious organisation headed by the Bishop of Rome in Vatican City.[1][2] In political terms, the Catholic Church has served as a conservative and reactionary force, although leftists have also at times held Catholic identity and religious doctrine. It is the second most popular religion in the United States, behind Protestantism.[3]
The term "Catholicism" most often refers to Roman (or "Latin") Catholicism, by far the largest Catholic group, although there are some non-Roman Catholic denominations which still hold communion with the Holy See and therefore are considered Catholic.
Catholicism is the largest Christian sect, and therefore largest religious organization, in the world.[4] The Bishop of Rome, also known as "the Pope"[a] in many languages, holds unique political and cultural sway internationally since its global expansion in the 16th century.
The superstructural role of the Catholic church in modern capitalist society is complex. In the 20th century, the Catholic Church continued to be a major player in political struggles globally, from Italy, Spain, and Germany to Latin America, Vietnam and South Korea. The Church also exercised its massive influence in countries like Poland in order to overthrow socialist governments, particularly under the Polish-born Pope John Paul II. However, elements of Catholic doctrine have served progressive roles, such as during the popular struggles in South America, in which priests supported and even aided revolutionary movements. In the 1960s, the Church held the Second Vatican Council (also known as "Vatican II") which promulgated a sweeping change in doctrine concerning social justice, social liberalism, and religious toleration. Francis, the current pope as of 2024[update], has continued to carry out a reformist and progressive stance within the church, expressing a desire to moderate Church policy on issues like birth control[5] and homosexuality,[6] and has also sharply criticized conservative Catholics in the United States as "backward".[7]
Notes
- ↑ Ultimately from Gk. páppas, "father; daddy"
References
- ↑ Catholicism (n.d.) American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. (2011). Retrieved November 1, 2020.
- ↑ Catholicism Dictionary.com. Accessed 1 November 2020.
- ↑ Newport, F., 2016. Five Key Findings On Religion In The U.S.. [online] Gallup.com. Available at: <https://news.gallup.com/poll/200186/five-key-findings-religion.aspx> [Accessed 1 November 2020].
- ↑ Pew Research Center's Religion & Public Life Project. 2015. Religious Composition By Country, 2010-2050. [online] Available at: <https://www.pewforum.org/2015/04/02/religious-projection-table/2010/number/all> [Accessed 1 November 2020].
- ↑ Mares, Courtney (30 Jul 2022). "Pope Francis on birth control: Can the teaching of the Church on contraception change?". Catholic News Agency. Retrieved 27 Apr 2024.
- ↑ Glatz, Carol (30 Jan 2023). "Pope clarifies remarks about homosexuality and sin". USCCB. Retrieved 27 Apr 2024.
- ↑ "Pope says some 'backward' conservatives in US Catholic Church have replaced faith with ideology". AP News. 28 Aug 2023. Retrieved 27 Apr 2024.