Roman Catholic Church

American  

noun

1. the Christian church of which the pope, or bishop of Rome, is the supreme head.

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Roman Catholic Church British  

noun

1. Also called: Catholic Church.   Church of Rome.  the Christian Church over which the pope presides, with administrative headquarters in the Vatican

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Roman Catholic Church Cultural  

1. The branch of Christianity headed by the pope. The Roman Catholic Church is governed by a hierarchy with the pope at the top and, at the lower levels, bishops and priests. The sacraments of Communion and confession are especially important in the Roman Catholic Church; Catholics also differ from most Protestants in emphasizing veneration of the saints, especially Mary, the mother of Jesus, and seeking the intercession of the saints (praying to them so that they will in turn pray to God). The Roman Catholic Church leadership strongly opposes abortion (see also abortion) and artificial means of birth control.

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Roman Catholicism is the dominant faith in Europe around the Mediterranean Sea, in much of eastern Europe, in Ireland, and in Latin America.

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How does roman-catholic-church compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• Eastern Orthodox Church vs. Roman Catholic Church

Example Sentences

The leader of the Roman Catholic church in England and Wales has said he definitely will not be the next pontiff, but is looking forward to the "intimidating" duty of choosing Pope Francis's successor.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2025

During his 12 years as leader of the Roman Catholic church, the Argentine has been hospitalised several times including in March 2023 when he spent three nights in hospital with bronchitis.

From BBC • Feb. 18, 2025

The group invited Bishop John England, an Irish native appointed to lead the newly formed Diocese of Charleston, South Carolina, to come to Savannah and speak at the city’s Roman Catholic church.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 12, 2024

Other visitors wandered into Cayalá’s cavernous Roman Catholic church.

From New York Times • Jan. 18, 2024

There’s standing room only at St. Martin of Tours Roman Catholic church on Hancock Street, and it’s a sea of all shades of brown people wearing either black or white.

From "Pride" by Ibi Zoboi