Roman Catholic Church
noun
the Christian church of which the pope, or bishop of Rome, is the supreme head.
Compare
Catholic Church.
British Dictionary definitions for roman catholic church
Roman Catholic Church
noun
the Christian Church over which the pope presides, with administrative headquarters in the Vatican
Also called: Catholic Church, Church of Rome
Cultural definitions for roman catholic church
Roman Catholic Church
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.
notes for Roman Catholic Church
Roman Catholicism is the dominant faith in
Europe around the
Mediterranean Sea, in much of eastern Europe, in
Ireland, and in
Latin America.