What Do Catholics Believe? Core Teachings

Q: What are the core beliefs of the Catholic faith?

Every Catholic belief flows from God's revelation through Jesus Christ, transmitted by Scripture and Tradition. The Nicene Creed summarises these beliefs: one God the Father, Jesus Christ His only-begotten Son born of the Virgin Mary, the Holy Spirit, and one holy catholic and apostolic Church with one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins and the resurrection of the dead.

Q: What is Sacred Tradition?

Sacred Tradition is the living transmission of the Gospel, distinct from Scripture but inseparably tied to it. Together, Scripture and Tradition form the complete deposit of God's Word, safeguarded by the Magisterium.

Q: Why do Catholics confess their sins to a priest?

Jesus gave the Apostles the power to forgive sins: 'Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven' (John 20:22–23). The sacrament of Reconciliation is an encounter with Christ's mercy through the ministry of the priest.

Q: What do Catholics believe about Mary?

Mary is honoured as the Mother of God because her Son Jesus is truly God. Catholics believe she was conceived without original sin (the Immaculate Conception) to be a worthy vessel for the Incarnation. Her 'yes' to God is a model of faith for all Christians.

Q: Why do Catholics pray to saints?

Catholics ask saints to intercede — to pray for us before God's throne — the same as asking a trusted friend to pray for you. The saints remind us that holiness is possible and that we are surrounded by 'a great cloud of witnesses' (Hebrews 12:1).

Q: Do Catholics worship statues?

No. Catholics worship God alone. Religious images serve as visual reminders of holy people and events, much as a family photograph honours a loved one.

Whether you grew up Catholic, are exploring Christianity for the first time, or simply have questions about what the Catholic Church teaches, this article answers the most frequently asked questions in a clear, approachable way.

What Are the Core Beliefs of the Catholic Faith?

Every Catholic belief flows from a single source: the revelation of God through Jesus Christ, transmitted by Scripture and Tradition, and authoritatively taught by the Church. The Nicene Creed, recited at every Sunday Mass, summarises these beliefs:

One God — the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.
Jesus Christ — the only-begotten Son of God, born of the Virgin Mary, who suffered, died, was buried, rose on the third day, and ascended into heaven.
The Holy Spirit — the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son and who has spoken through the prophets.
One, holy, catholic and apostolic Church — one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come.

Who Founded the Catholic Church?

Catholics believe Jesus Christ Himself founded the Church when He said to the Apostle Peter: "You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (Matthew 16:18). Every Pope since then stands in an unbroken line of succession from Peter, the first Bishop of Rome.

What Do Catholics Believe About the Bible?

The Bible is the inspired Word of God. The Catholic Church defined the canon of Scripture — the books found in every Christian Bible — and preserved the Scriptures through centuries of monastic copying. The Catholic Bible includes 73 books (46 Old Testament, 27 New Testament), including seven books not found in most Protestant Bibles, known as the deuterocanonical books.

Explore Scripture in your language: Shona Bible · Ndebele Bible · English Bible

What Is Sacred Tradition?

In the early Church, the Gospel was preached orally by those who knew Christ or His Apostles. This living transmission — distinct from Scripture but inseparably tied to it — is called Sacred Tradition. Together, Scripture and Tradition form the complete deposit of God's Word, safeguarded by the teaching authority of the Church (the Magisterium).

What Happens at a Catholic Mass?

The Mass is the Church's central act of worship and the re-presentation of Christ's sacrifice on the Cross. When Jesus said at the Last Supper, "This is my Body… this is my Blood", Catholics believe He gave us the gift of His real presence under the appearances of bread and wine — the Eucharist.

Every Mass includes readings from Scripture (the Liturgy of the Word) and the consecration and reception of Holy Communion (the Liturgy of the Eucharist). In Zimbabwe, the Mass is enriched by beautiful Shona hymns and Ndebele hymns.

Why Do Catholics Confess Their Sins to a Priest?

Jesus gave the Apostles the power to forgive sins: "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven" (John 20:22–23). The sacrament of Reconciliation is an encounter with Christ's mercy through the ministry of the priest. Far from being a burden, confession is experienced by faithful Catholics as a profound liberation.

What Do Catholics Believe About Mary?

Mary is honoured as the Mother of God — not because she is divine, but because her Son, Jesus, is truly God. Catholics believe Mary was conceived without original sin (the Immaculate Conception) so that she could be a worthy vessel for the Incarnation. Her willing "yes" to God — "Let it be done to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38) — is a model of faith for all Christians.

Why Do Catholics Pray to Saints?

Catholics ask saints to intercede — to pray for us before God's throne. It is no different from asking a trusted friend to pray for you, except that the saints enjoy the fullness of God's presence. The saints remind us that holiness is possible and that we are surrounded by "a great cloud of witnesses" (Hebrews 12:1).

Do Catholics Worship Statues?

No. Catholics worship God alone. Religious images — statues, icons, and paintings — serve as visual reminders of holy people and events, much as a family photograph honours a loved one. Through the centuries, the Church has commissioned some of history's greatest art to illuminate the beauty of the Gospel.

How Can Someone Return to the Catholic Church?

The door is always open. If you were baptised Catholic, you remain Catholic — even if you haven't practised for years. Simply visit a local parish, introduce yourself, and let the community welcome you home. Many parishes offer programmes specifically designed for returning Catholics.

Begin your journey back through prayer — explore Shona prayers, Ndebele prayers, or the Holy Rosary.