A Quick History of the Catholic Church

Pope Francis in March 2013.jpg Photo by Casa Rosada – Wikimedia Commons

A Quick History of the Catholic Church

The history of the Catholic Church goes back to Jesus Christ and the Apostles who were also known as the disciples of Christ. Throughout the course of centuries, the church has developed into an elaborate organizational structure.

It is one of the oldest continuing monarchies in the world. The number of Roman Catholics in the world is approximately 1.1 billion. It is greater than all other religious traditions. 

The Roman Catholics are more than all other Christians combined. The church helps answer all the questions a person may have about life, death, and faith, through the scriptures from the bible. 

Learn more about the Catholic Church, click here.

1. Beginning of Christianity

All Saints Catholic Church (St. Peters, Missouri) – view from the loft 2.jpg Photo by Nheyob – Wikimedia Commons

Roman Catholicism began Christianity, it has maintained continuity since the days of the Apostles. It compasses within the range of many other world faiths, making it the only methodology that addresses all of them.

The arrival of the Apostle Paul in Rome led to the beginning of the Roman Christian community. But his contribution to the church was not acknowledged by the Roman church and believers.

The church was in the prime city and drew tourists and pilgrims. This led to the Roman Empire being led to the civic authority being weakened and spiritual authority being strengthened. 

2. The Surfacing of Catholic Christianity

Bonaldi Cristian, Palazzi Samantha e Papa Francesco, 2014.JPG Photo by Pietro Palazzi – Wikimedia Commons

Catholic Christianity dates back to the New Testament specifically the Acts of the Apostles. These catholic features were proclaimed in response to internal challenges.

Roman Catholicism was the collapse of governmental and administrative structures in the Western Roman Empire. This led to the end of medieval Europe and was only continued to the tribes.

This led to the rise of the Roman Catholic church and the growth of believers and Christians.

3. The Leadership of Popes

Pope Francis South Korea 2014.png Photo by Korea.net – Wikimedia Commons

The two popes were called ‘Saints’ by the Roman Catholic church. Pope Leo, the first was the ideal embodiment of Romanness. Pope Gregory the first, laid the foundations for the Roman Catholicism of the Middle Ages.

These two popes advocated for the conversion of Emperor Constantine, he legalized Christianity and promoted its interests. Theodosius the first made Catholic Christianity the official religion of the empire. 

Through the work of Pope Gregory and Pope Leo, the empire of Rome was changed and influenced by Christianity. This led to Rome is known as a Catholic Christian empire.

Find out more about the Facts about the Catholic Church here.

4. Early Middle Ages

Religious life assumed new forms and reformed established ones. Missionaries were sent out to expand the geographic boundaries of faith. This led to the start of cathedral schools and new forms of learning emerged.

The cathedral schools were turned into universities that promoted Catholic learning.

5. Evolved Christianity

Pope Francis at the Athens Concert Hall (02).jpg Photo by StrangeTraveler – Wikimedia Commons

Catholic Christianity had developed and laid the foundation for the great advances of the later middle ages and beyond. This led to the emergence of Christian theology, and the division between the Western and Eastern churches.

The Carolingian period is widely recognized as the high point of the early medieval church. This led to religious scholars being introduced to the court and rewarded with important clergy posts.

This development led to the proper relationship between the church and state. However, it also led to controversy between later emperors and popes over the matter.

The evolution of the church was also influenced by the events that took place outside of Rome. Otto, the first conquered northern Italy and was crowned emperor by Pope John the twelfth.

Under him, the bishops were drawn into the royal service. He had the intention of reviving a Christian Roman empire.

6. The Rise of Popular Christianity

By the 11th century, the Christian community was divided into bishops’ dioceses and individual parishes. Through this more people were introduced to Christianity, and more priests spread out and baptized and anointed more people from rural areas.

Holy Communion was normally received four times a year these times were Christmas, Easter, Pentecost, and Feast of the Assumption. This brought on auricular confessions that spread through Rome and other European countries. 

The early 11th century was a period of intense religious activity at all levels of social class. The activities were illustrated by the number of newly built churches.

7. The 12th Century

Roman Catholic Church of Saint Nicholas, Kamianske7.jpg Photo by Unknown author – Wikimedia Commons

This was the time when new institutions of higher education and fresh approaches to ancient philosophy and theology were questioned. The first handbook of theology was composed by Abelard who was a provocative and brilliant thinker. 

The handbook forced readers to think for themselves by also emphasizing the ultimate authority of the Bible. However, this led to his condemnation.

For more Information about the Early Catholic Church, click here.

8. Theology in The 13th Century

This was the time when there was a change in the world of philosophy, theology, and art. The revival of religious life and culture in the period was overseen by Pope Innocent the third, he prepared the way for the great lawyer popes of the 13th century. 

The early friars were welcomed by the bishops and parish clergy, they were given privileges so wide that the basic rights of the secular clergy were threatened.

9. Hierarchy of the Church

Bishops at Walsingham (4666974401).jpg Photo by Robin Myerscough – Wikimedia Commons

The Catholic Church follows an episcopal polity that is led by bishops who received the sacrament of Holy Orders. There are three levels of clergy the episcopate, the presbyterate, and the diaconate.

The episcopate is composed of bishops who hold jurisdiction over the geographic area called the diocese. The presbyterate is composed of priests ordained by bishops who work in local dioceses or religious orders.

The diaconate is composed of deacons who assist bishops and priests in a variety of ministerial roles.

Read more about the Leadership of the Catholic Church here.

10. Membership in The Church

Church membership is defined as baptized Catholics, by the end of 2019, the number was at 1.345 billion. Brazil has the largest Catholic population followed by Mexico, the Philippines, and the United States. 

Catholics represent about half of all Christians, and the geographic distribution of Catholics worldwide is always changing. Its 18.7% in Africa, 48.1% in America, 11.0% in Asia, and 21.2% in Europe.

At the end of 2019, the number of Catholic ministers who were ordained was 467,938 clergies, 5,364 bishops, 414, 336 priests, and 48, 238 deacons.

This also included the 54, 559 religious males and 705, 529 religious women who were not ordained but considered ministers.