The Roman Catholic Church, otherwise known as the Roman Communion, is the worldwide communion of churches in full communion with the Bishop of Rome. It includes the Latin Church and numerous Eastern Catholic churches. It is also used as a term to describe those churches often referred to as traditional Catholics who are not jurisdictionally in communion with the Bishop of Rome, but use traditional Catholic rites and were once part of the Roman Communion. These include those who continue the Tridentine Rite, sedevacantists, and others.
Faith and structure
Roman Catholicism confesses the Nicene faith, seven sacraments, apostolic succession, episcopal government, and the teaching authority of bishops united with the pope. The Holy See serves as the central organ of universal governance.
Liturgical diversity
Although the Roman Rite is the largest liturgical tradition, the communion also preserves Byzantine, Alexandrian, Antiochene, Armenian, Chaldean, and other Eastern rites.