Roman Catholic (term)

The term "Roman Catholic" is commonly used to refer to members of the Catholic Church in full communion with the Pope in Rome. It emphasizes the Church's historical and doctrinal connection to the See of Rome and the papacy.

The Catholic Church itself officially uses the term "Catholic Church" to describe itself, viewing the term "Roman Catholic" as potentially problematic because it can imply that other Catholic Churches (such as the Eastern Catholic Churches, also in communion with Rome) are not fully Catholic.

However, "Roman Catholic" is often used in ecumenical and interfaith contexts, as well as in general usage, to distinguish the Catholic Church from other Christian denominations that also use the term "Catholic" in a broader sense (e.g., the Anglican Communion, certain Lutheran churches).

The use of the term remains a subject of debate, particularly concerning its appropriateness and potential for misrepresentation of the Catholic Church's self-understanding. Adherents believe that the Catholic Church, centered in Rome, is the original and unbroken Christian church founded by Jesus Christ. Its core tenets include belief in the Holy Trinity, the divinity of Jesus Christ, the authority of Scripture and Tradition, the importance of the sacraments (especially the Eucharist), and the veneration of the Virgin Mary and the saints.