Definition of catholic

The word "Catholic" originates from the Greek phrase "katholikos," which means "universal" or "general." It was first used by St. Ignatius of Antioch around 110 AD to describe the Christian Church as a whole. The term was later adopted by the early Christian writer St. Justin Martyr and became a common way to refer to the Church. In the 4th century, the Church Fathers, such as St. Cyprian, continued to use the term to emphasize the Church's universal nature and its connection with the apostles and the early Christian community. Over time, the term "Catholic" became associated with the Church founded by Peter, one of Jesus' apostles, and came to be used specifically to describe the Roman Catholic Church, which is the largest Christian communion in the world. Today, the term remains an important part of the Church's identity and is used to express its universal mission and the unity of its believers.