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Catholics are adherents of the Catholic Church, the world’s largest Christian church. They trace their tradition to Jesus Christ and the apostles and recognize the Pope in Rome as the universal leader of the church, in communion with the College of Bishops. The Catholic Church comprises the Latin Church (Roman Rite) and 23 Eastern Catholic Churches, each with its own liturgical rites and disciplines.

Beliefs and practices center on the Nicene Creed, the sacraments, and the church’s moral teaching. The seven sacraments are baptism, Eucharist, confirmation, reconciliation (confession), anointing of the sick, holy orders, and matrimony. The Eucharist is central, believed to be the real presence of Christ. Catholics also honor Mary and the saints and follow church law and guidance issued by hierarchical authority.

Organizationally, the church is hierarchical: the Pope governs from Vatican City; bishops oversee dioceses; priests celebrate the sacraments and lead parishes; deacons assist. The global church runs numerous educational, healthcare, and charitable institutions and collaborates through national and regional bodies.

History and scope: the church traces to the early Christian communities, developed through the centuries, and formally separated from the Eastern Orthodox Church in 1054 (the Great Schism). The Second Vatican Council (1962–1965) introduced liturgical reforms, ecumenism, and greater use of local languages in worship.

Demographics and influence: about 1.3 billion adherents worldwide, with large communities in Europe, the Americas, Africa, and parts of Asia. Catholicism shapes culture, education, and social services across many societies.

Contemporary issues: the church confronts modern questions on ethics, social teaching, clerical abuse reforms, and debates about the ordination of women within the bounds of its magisterium.