The Christian religious faith and practice of the Roman Catholic Church, which recognizes the Pope as its head and emphasizes tradition, sacraments, and Mary's importance.
From Late Latin 'catholicus' (universal) from Greek 'katholicos' (general, universal) + '-ism' (system of belief). The term became specific to the Roman Church by the early Christian era, emphasizing its claim to universal truth and membership.
The word 'catholicism' comes from the Greek word for 'universal,' which is why early Christians called their church 'Catholic' (universal church)—but over time it became associated specifically with Rome, which is why most Catholics are actually Roman Catholics, not just 'universal' Christians.
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