definition
strict definition
roman catholic church
A worship space used for Roman Catholic masses, prayer, and ceremonies under the authority of the Pope.
A Roman Catholic church is a space used for masses, prayer, and religious ceremonies by the Roman Catholic denomination. Only churches under the authority of the Pope are included in this category.
The relationship to Roman Catholic authority is part of the definition. The worship space can accommodate Mass and other religious ceremonies without having a particular architectural plan.
An Old Catholic church has a Catholic tradition separated from Roman authority. Similar furnishings or use of the word Catholic do not by themselves establish the papal authority required here.
