Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book attempts to lay out the basics of Roman Catholicism in a systematic and logical fashion. It deals with the existence of the Church in today's world, locating it within the wider body of Christianity. The papacy is one of the most prominent features of Roman Catholicism, especially since the accession of Pope St John Paul II in 1978. His extensive travels brought the centre of the Church, as it were, to the periphery. The Vatican and its workings are described to understand the papacy properly it is necessary to know something of its background. The chapter discusses how many Catholics there are, and where, geographically, they are to be found. It is impossible to write about Catholicism or indeed about Christianity in general, without going into some of the diverse theological positions adopted by different brands of Christianity.