The Roman Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church of Christ, is the largest Christian church in the world, with more than 12 billion members. The Roman Catholic Church is part of the Catholic Communion, which is made up of 22 autonomous churches, primarily in Europe and the Americas. The Roman Catholic Church is the largest single denomination in the Christian faith, with a hierarchy that includes the pope, cardinals, and bishops. The church is based on the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Apostles, as codified by the Ecumenical Councils.
When it comes to Roman Catholic churches, a few of the best and most notable examples can be found in Rome, Italy. These include St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican, both of which are amongst the most visited sites in the world. Additionally, the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, and the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore all date back to the early centuries of Christianity and are still operational today.
Outside of Rome, some of the other most impressive examples of Roman Catholic churches can be found around the world. Notre Dame de Paris is one of the most iconic and beloved churches in Europe, and the Cathedrals of Milan and Toledo, both of which were built in the Middle Ages, are striking works of art and architecture. The Catedral of Seville, Spain is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and was built in the 1500s and contains artwork from many renowned master artists. Lastly, the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain, is another of the most impressive Roman Catholic churches, designed by legendary architect Antoni Gaudí and still under construction today.