traditio

Roman Catholicism is the largest branch of Christianity, with about 1.3 billion adherents worldwide. It is led by the pope, who is the bishop of Rome and the visible head of the church. The church's central government is the Holy See, which makes decisions on faith and morality.1234

Roman Catholicism is characterized by its beliefs about the sacraments, the roles of the Bible and tradition, the importance of the Virgin Mary and saints, and the papacy. The seven sacraments are baptism, the Eucharist, confirmation, reconciliation, marriage, anointing of the sick, and holy orders. These sacraments are considered visible forms of invisible grace, instituted by Christ.15

Tradition is understood as both the living teaching authority of the church and the content of revealed truth concerning faith and morals. Roman Catholics believe that revelation ended with the Apostles and was transmitted to the college of bishops. The church accepts both Scripture and tradition with equal reverence, viewing them as essential for understanding faith.6