católica

Católica is the feminine form of the adjective Catholic in Spanish and Portuguese. It is used to describe things related to the Catholic Church or to Catholic identity, while the masculine form is católico. The term ultimately derives from the Latin catholicus, from the Greek katholikos, meaning universal. In ecclesiastical language, phrases such as Iglesia Católica (Catholic Church) in Spanish or Igreja Católica in Portuguese denote the worldwide body of Catholics and its governance, doctrine, and liturgy.

Beyond religious usage, Catolica appears in the proper names of many educational and religious institutions that identify with Catholic heritage. In Latin America and parts of Europe, universities, schools, and faculties frequently include Católico or Católca in their titles to signal Catholic affiliation or mission. Notable examples include Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, as well as universities such as Universidade Católica Portuguesa in Portugal, Universidad Católica Argentina in Argentina, and several Pontifícia Universidade Católica campuses in Brazil. These institutions often aim to combine faith with programs in the humanities, social sciences, and professional fields, though governance and academic autonomy vary by country and institution.

In common usage, Católica can refer to anything pertaining to Catholicism in contexts requiring a feminine form, such as Iglesia Católica, tradición Católica, or una universidad Católica. The term should not be confused with non-Catholic traditions nor with secular entities that merely adopt the name.