📖Overview

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, The Church is the community of all baptized believers united in faith, sacraments, and governance under the successor of Peter and the bishops in communion with him. The word "Church" (ekklesia) means "convocation" or "assembly," signifying those called together by God. The Church is simultaneously a visible society and a spiritual community, an earthly Church and a Church enriched with heavenly gifts. She is the Mystical Body of Christ, with Christ as her Head and the faithful as her members, animated by the Holy Spirit. The Church is one, holy, catholic, and apostolic; these are the four marks that distinguish the true Church of Christ. She is one because of her source (the Trinity), her founder (Christ), and her soul (the Holy Spirit). She is holy because Christ sanctifies her through the sacraments. She is catholic (universal) because she possesses the fullness of faith and is sent to all peoples. She is apostolic because she is built on the foundation of the Apostles and continues their teaching and mission through apostolic succession. The Church is the universal sacrament of salvation, the sign and instrument of communion with God and of unity among all people. The Pope, as successor of Peter, exercises a unique ministry of unity and has supreme authority over the universal Church.

💡Key Points