The Catholic Church being Roman and Global

Throughout this trip so far we have seen many examples of how Rome has this amazing history revolving around the Catholic Church. We've learned that the Catholic Church was started in Rome and for a very long time was the main power in Rome not only in just a religious standpoint. However through learning that we've also learned how the Catholic Church branched out of Rome and Italy and eventually became a global power and religion. I think the Catholic Church has definitly played a major role in the changing of our world and especially in Rome.

We've learned that during Rome's highest point in power not only did it use it's power through the emperors but also very much through the pope. The pope today is more of a religious figure but back in the earlier centuries and especially in the Renaissance the pope was more of a political figure. The Catholic Church had a say in everything. City laws that were made were passed by the Pope even. The Catholic Church was the biggest provider especially for art, we have seen many paintings and sculptures and a good majority of them revolve around some type of religious message. Without the Catholic Church a lot of what we can see now wouldn't be here at all.

In many ways even today the Catholic Church still does remain very much Roman even though it is a religion all around the world. Rome is where the Pope lives today and it is the place of many religious gatherings such as where the cardinals learn and study. There is also the St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel which still remain standing and are huge Catholic landmarks. The Catholic Church in Rome has also branched out and made the religion available in many different languages. There are church's that are even made for a specific language not just Italian or Latin.

Not only is the Catholic Church Roman though, today it is very much global. For instance in America there are Catholic Church's in almost every city. There are even Catholic schools and colleges available. There are these things not only in America and in Italy but around the world. I also think it is global because although the highest Catholic leader, the pope, is in Italy there are still power figures around the world. There are bishops and priests stationed for all areas around the world. The Catholic Church is also a base religion that a lot of other religions have branched off of. I think that the Catholic Church has definitly expanded and will continue to expand throughout centuries to come.