The Roman Catholic Church is the largest Christian church and one of the oldest religious institutions in the world. In the context of US history, it played a significant role in European colonization and cultural development of America.
Think of the Roman Catholic Church like a long-standing tree with deep roots (its ancient traditions) and wide branches (its influence spreading across different continents).
Papacy: The office or authority of the Pope, who serves as the head of the Roman Catholic Church.
Reformation: A 16th-century movement for religious reform, leading to the founding of new Christian churches separate from the Pope's authority.
Spanish Missions in California: A series of religious outposts established by Spanish Catholics to spread Christianity among local Native Americans during colonial times.
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