According to the theological understanding held by the Catholic Church, it professes itself to be the "sole Church of Christ" and the one true church in the world. This assertion is rooted in its ecclesiology, defining itself by the intrinsic "Four Marks of the Church" as found in the Nicene Creed: one, holy, catholic, and apostolic.
Understanding the Catholic Church's Claim
The Catholic Church's teaching, as articulated in its Catechism, identifies itself as the unique continuation of the community established by Jesus Christ. This means that for Catholics, the fullness of the means of salvation is found within the Catholic Church, despite acknowledging that elements of truth and sanctification can exist outside its visible structure.
The Four Marks of the Church
The designation of the "one true church" is intrinsically linked to these four essential attributes, which are believed to distinguish the Church founded by Christ. These marks are not merely characteristics but foundational properties that reflect its divine origin and mission.
Here's a breakdown of each mark:
| Mark | Description |
|---|---|
| One | The Church is one because it has a single Founder (Jesus Christ), one Lord, one faith, one Baptism, and is united under one head (the Pope) and the bishops in communion with him. This unity is both visible and spiritual. |
| Holy | The Church is holy because Christ, its founder, is holy. While its members are sinners, the Church itself is made holy by the presence of Christ and the Holy Spirit, and by its mission to sanctify humanity through the sacraments and the preaching of the Gospel. |
| Catholic | The term "catholic" means "universal." The Church is catholic because Christ is present in it, and it proclaims the fullness of faith to all people, at all times, in all places. It is sent to the entire human race and possesses all saving truth. |
| Apostolic | The Church is apostolic because it is founded on the Apostles, upholding their teachings, and is governed by their successors (the bishops), with the Pope as the successor of Saint Peter. This unbroken line of succession from the Apostles is known as apostolic succession. |
These marks, affirmed in creeds like the Nicene Creed, serve as criteria by which the Catholic Church identifies itself as the Church established by Christ. Its claim rests on the belief that it uniquely embodies these four essential qualities throughout history.
