Roman Catholic

1 of 2

noun

: a member of the Roman Catholic Church

Roman Catholic

2 of 2

adjective

: of, relating to, or being a Christian church having a hierarchy of priests and bishops under the pope, a liturgy centered in the Mass, veneration of the Virgin Mary and saints, clerical celibacy, and a body of dogma including transubstantiation and papal infallibility

Examples of Roman Catholic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

In Roman Catholic traditions, some theologians consider pride — or the idea of unchecked self-importance or arrogance — the original and most serious sin. —Juliana Kim, NPR, 28 May 2025

In the Roman Catholic Church, popes have shown openness to evolution while insisting that the human soul is a divine creation. —Peter Smith, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2025

Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church on May 8, following a two-day conclave. —Carson Blackwelder, People.com, 21 May 2025

Following the death of Pope Francis in April, Pope Leo XIV was elected as the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church earlier this month, following a two-day conclave that concluded on May 8. —Christian Allaire, Vogue, 18 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1581, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1614, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

Roman Catholic

adjective

: of or relating to the body of Christians having levels of authority under the pope, a liturgy centered in the Mass, and a body of beliefs laid down by the church as the only interpreter of revealed truth

Roman Catholic noun

Roman Catholicism noun