The origins of the Christian faith and the church are deeply rooted in the teachings and life of Jesus Christ. According to the New Testament, Jesus is the cornerstone of the Church. In Matthew 16:18, Jesus says to Peter, “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” This passage is often cited in discussions about the foundation of the church and its leadership.

The term “Catholicism” as we understand it today, referring to the Roman Catholic Church, developed over centuries as the Christian faith spread and organized itself. The word “catholic” itself means “universal,” and in the early Christian context, it referred to the universality of the Christian message and the unity of the church. The Nicene Creed, formulated in the 4th century, affirms the belief in “one holy catholic and apostolic Church,” highlighting the early Christians’ desire for unity.

It is important to recognize that the early Christian movement comprised various communities spread across the Roman Empire and beyond, each experiencing its own development and facing unique challenges. Over time, the structure, doctrine, and practices that characterize Roman Catholicism today evolved through ecumenical councils, theological debates, and the leadership of the bishops, including the Bishop of Rome (the Pope).

Thus, while Jesus Christ is the foundation of the Christian faith, the development of Catholicism as a distinct expression of that faith emerged through a complex historical process. The focus of all Christian denominations, including Catholicism, remains the teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ as the cornerstone of faith and the path to salvation.