catholicism
n. uncountable B2 Upper Intermediate US //kəˈθɔɫəˌsɪzəm// catholi·cism
n. the beliefs and practices of the Catholic Church. It is one of the main branches of Christianity, led by the Pope.
n. the doctrine, liturgy, and ecclesiastical structure of the Roman Catholic Church. Typically capitalised when referring to the specific institution; uncapitalised when referring to the general system of belief.
Catholicism is the largest Christian denomination in the world.
The history of Catholicism in Europe is deeply tied to the political power of the Vatican.
Scholars often examine how Catholicism adapted its rituals to local cultures during the colonial expansion of the sixteenth century.
Compare French catholicisme.