What is the Immaculate Conception?
Many people think the Immaculate Conception refers to Jesus's birth, but the Catholic doctrine, defined in 1854, actually says Mary herself was conceived without original sin.
- Home
- Fact categories
- Catholic Church Facts
Catholic Church Facts
Catholic church facts and facts about catholic churches.
12 facts on this shelf
What is the Assumption of Mary?
In 1950, Pope Pius XII officially declared the Assumption, the Catholic belief that Mary was taken body and soul into heaven at the end of her life.
Who was the first pope?
The Catholic Church considers Saint Peter the first pope.
When was Saint Joseph named patron of the Catholic Church?
Saint Joseph was named patron of the Universal Church in 1870.
What are stigmata?
Saint Francis of Assisi is the first person recorded to have received the stigmata, wounds matching those of Jesus's crucifixion.
Was Saint Patrick ever officially canonized?
Saint Patrick was never formally canonized, because he lived before the Catholic Church's official canonization process existed.
Was Saint Valentine removed from the calendar?
In 1969, the Catholic Church removed Saint Valentine's feast from its general calendar because so little is known about him.
How quickly was Saint Anthony made a saint?
Saint Anthony of Padua was canonized less than a year after his death.
When was Saint Anthony named a Doctor of the Church?
Saint Anthony of Padua was named a Doctor of the Church in 1946.
Is Saint Augustine a Doctor of the Church?
Saint Augustine is a Doctor of the Church.
Why was Galileo put on trial?
In 1633, Galileo was put on trial by the Catholic Church for supporting the idea that Earth orbits the Sun, and he spent the rest of his life under house arrest.
When did the Catholic Church admit it was wrong about Galileo?
In 1992, Pope John Paul II formally acknowledged that the Church had been wrong in its treatment of Galileo.