The Catholic Church traces its founding to Jesus Christ during his earthly ministry around 30–33 A.D. Jesus appointed the twelve Apostles and gave them instructions to continue his work, with Saint Peter regarded as the first bishop of Rome and the leader of the Church, establishing the apostolic succession that continues to the present pope
. According to Catholic tradition, the Church began publicly with the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, which empowered the apostles to spread Jesus' teachings. Early Christian communities formed soon after Jesus' death and resurrection, initially centered in Jerusalem and later spreading to Rome and other parts of the Roman Empire
. Historically, the institutional development of the Catholic Church was gradual. The term "Catholic Church" was first used by Ignatius of Antioch around 110 A.D. The role of the Bishop of Rome (the pope) grew over the first few centuries, with the title "pope" becoming regularly used by the late 4th century. Key figures such as Pope Leo I in the 5th century helped establish the primacy and authority of the papacy
. In summary:
- Founded by Jesus Christ around 30–33 A.D. during his ministry.
- Saint Peter is traditionally considered the first bishop of Rome and the leader appointed by Jesus.
- The Church began publicly at Pentecost with the apostles.
- The term "Catholic Church" was first used circa 110 A.D.
- The papacy and institutional Church structure developed over the first several centuries
Thus, the Catholic Church sees its origin in Jesus Christ himself, with Saint Peter as a foundational leader, and its formal institutional identity evolving over the early centuries of Christianity.
