Catholic Church

Largest Christian Church, made up of 24 autonomous Churches in communion with the Pope, part of the Latin Church aka Latin Christianity aka western Christianity

The Catholic Church, also called the Roman Catholic Church, is the largest Christian church, with an estimated 1.28 to 1.41 billion baptized members worldwide as of 2026. It consists of 24 autonomous churches—the Latin Church and 23 Eastern Catholic Churches—organized into nearly 3,500 dioceses and eparchies governed by bishops. Throughout history, the church has had a large role in the development of Western civilization. Catholic communities are present worldwide through missions, immigration, and conversions. The majority of Catholics live in the Global South, reflecting rapid demographic growth in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, as well as secularization in parts of Europe and North America.

Also known as...

Roman Catholic Church, Roman Apostolic Catholic Church, and Roman Rite Catholic Church

• Wikipedia
• Official website

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