Top 10 Common Misconceptions About Catholicism
Top 10 Common Misconceptions About Catholicism
Catholicism is often misunderstood or misrepresented by people of other faiths and people who have no faith at all. These misconceptions can create barriers and confusion for those seeking to understand the faith. Here, we address some of the most common misunderstandings and provide clarity on what the Catholic Church truly teaches.
1. Catholics Worship Mary and the Saints
One of the most common misconceptions is that Catholics worship Mary and the saints. In reality, Catholics honor and venerate Mary and the saints, but worship, known as latria, is reserved for God alone. The special honor given to Mary, called hyperdulia, and the reverence shown to the saints, known as dulia, are distinct from the adoration given to God. Catholics believe that Mary and the saints, being close to God in heaven, can intercede for us just as a friend or family member might pray for us here on earth. This is why Catholics ask for their intercession, viewing them as powerful advocates who bring our prayers before the throne of God.
Mary, in particular, is honored as the Mother of God and the perfect model of discipleship. Her "yes" to God’s will brought Jesus into the world, making her a central figure in salvation history. Catholics venerate her for her unique role and ask for her prayers, always with the understanding that she points us to Christ, saying, "Do whatever He tells you" (John 2:5). Similarly, the saints, through their heroic lives of virtue and faithfulness, inspire us to follow Christ more fully and serve as examples of how to live out the Gospel. Asking for their intercession is not about bypassing God, but rather joining with the whole Body of Christ—both on earth and in heaven—in prayer and communion.
This deep respect and veneration should never be confused with worship, which belongs to God alone. By honoring Mary and the saints, Catholics seek to deepen their relationship with Christ, who is the ultimate source of grace and salvation.
2. The Pope is Infallible in Everything He Says
Another common misconception is that the Pope is infallible in everything he says and does. In reality, the doctrine of papal infallibility is much more limited and applies only under very specific conditions. The Church teaches that the Pope is infallible only when he speaks ex cathedra (literally, “from the chair”) in his official capacity as the successor of St. Peter, and only on matters of faith and morals. This means that the Pope’s infallibility is exercised when he formally defines a doctrine that must be believed by the whole Church as part of divine revelation.
This protection from error is rooted in Christ’s promise to Peter and his successors: “I have prayed that your own faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned back, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:32). It ensures that the Church, as the guardian of Christ’s teachings, remains faithful and true to the deposit of faith handed down by the Apostles.
Papal infallibility is not a daily occurrence and is rarely invoked. Since its formal definition in 1870 at the First Vatican Council, the doctrine has only been used once: in 1950, when Pope Pius XII defined the dogma of the Assumption of Mary. Infallibility does not mean that the Pope is personally free from error or sin, or that his private opinions and statements are infallible. The Pope can make mistakes, hold personal opinions that may not be doctrinal, or even make administrative decisions that are not immune to criticism or error.
Instead, papal infallibility is a guarantee that, in matters crucial to the faith, the Holy Spirit will preserve the Pope from teaching error when he speaks definitively on faith and morals. This doctrine exists to safeguard the unity and integrity of the Church’s teaching, ensuring that the faithful can trust in the Church’s proclamations on essential truths necessary for salvation.
Therefore, while Catholics respect and honor the Pope as the spiritual leader of the Church, they do not believe that everything he says or does is without mistake. His infallibility is a gift given to the Church, exercised only in very specific circumstances, to protect the truths of the faith from being distorted or misunderstood.
3. Catholics Believe They Can Earn Their Way to Heaven
Some people mistakenly believe that Catholics think they can “earn” salvation through good works alone. In reality, the Catholic Church teaches that salvation is a free and unmerited gift from God, made possible through the grace of Jesus Christ. We are saved by grace, through faith, and it is God’s initiative that draws us into a relationship with Him. This grace is first received through the Sacrament of Baptism and continues to work in us throughout our lives.
Good works are not a way to earn salvation or “buy” God’s favor. Rather, they are a natural response to God’s grace and a sign of genuine faith. As the Apostle James states, “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:26). This means that true faith is not passive but actively seeks to love and serve others as Christ did. Good works—such as acts of charity, mercy, and justice—are the visible fruit of a faith that is alive and cooperating with God’s grace.
The Church teaches that we are justified and brought into a state of grace by faith, but we are called to respond to that grace through good works. These works, done out of love for God and neighbor, help us grow in holiness and conform us more closely to the image of Christ. In this way, good works are a way of cooperating with God’s grace, but they do not earn salvation on their own. Salvation remains entirely dependent on God’s grace, which we cannot earn or deserve.
Thus, Catholics believe that faith and good works go hand-in-hand. Good works are not done to earn God’s love, but rather as a grateful response to it, reflecting the transformation that grace has brought about in our lives. The Church affirms that salvation is a gift freely given by God, and our good works are simply our response to this incredible gift.
4. Catholics Don’t Read the Bible
Many assume that Catholics don’t read the Bible, but this is far from true. The Bible is central to Catholic worship, theology, and daily life. Every Mass is filled with Scripture readings from the Old and New Testaments, a responsorial psalm, and a Gospel reading. Over a three-year cycle, Catholics hear almost the entire Bible through the liturgy. The Church also encourages personal and group Bible study, and there is a rich tradition of biblical scholarship going back to early Church Fathers like St. Jerome and St. Augustine.
The Catholic Church played a vital role in compiling and preserving the canon of Scripture, discerning which books were divinely inspired. Today, many Catholics are deepening their understanding of the Bible through resources like The Bible in a Year podcast with Fr. Mike Schmitz, which has consistently ranked as one of the top podcasts on Apple Podcasts. This popularity demonstrates the growing interest among Catholics in engaging with Scripture more deeply.
Scripture permeates Catholic worship and devotion. The Bible is read, revered, and studied, both in private prayer and community settings, showing that Catholics deeply value God’s Word as a living part of their faith. Through liturgy and personal devotion Catholics continue to grow in their understanding and love of Scripture.
5. Catholics Re-crucify Jesus at Every Mass
This misconception often stems from a misunderstanding of what Catholics believe happens during the Mass. The Catholic Church teaches that the Mass is not a repetition or a new sacrifice, but rather a re-presentation of the one, eternal sacrifice of Jesus on Calvary. When Catholics celebrate the Eucharist, they believe that Christ’s sacrifice—offered once for all—is made present to us in a mystical and sacramental way.
In the Eucharist, time and space are transcended, and the faithful are united to the same sacrifice that Christ offered over 2,000 years ago. It is the same Jesus, the same body and blood, offered to the Father, but in an unbloody manner under the appearances of bread and wine. This belief is rooted in Jesus’ words at the Last Supper: “This is my body, which will be given for you; do this in memory of me” (Luke 22:19). When Catholics gather at Mass, they are not crucifying Christ again, but entering into the eternal reality of His one sacrifice, which is perpetually present before God.
By participating in the Mass, Catholics partake in the graces of Christ’s sacrifice, which He won for us on the cross. The Eucharist nourishes the soul, strengthens the believer’s union with Christ, and deepens the bond with the Church. This profound mystery is why the Mass is considered the "source and summit" of Catholic life and worship. It’s not about repeating what Jesus did, but about being drawn into the timeless sacrifice He offered for the salvation of all.
6. Catholics Worship Statues and Images
Catholics do not worship statues or images, and the Church strongly condemns idolatry. Statues, icons, and images serve as visual aids that help believers lift their minds and hearts to God. They are reminders of Christ, Mary, and the saints, intended to draw the faithful into deeper prayer and reflection on the virtues of those depicted. Catholics use these images to focus their thoughts and devotion on the person represented, not on the object itself.
The purpose of these images is similar to how one might keep photos of loved ones to remember, honor, and feel connected to them. Just as a picture of a family member evokes love and memories but is not loved as an object, so too are religious images meant to inspire love and reverence for God and the saints. Catholics venerate (honor) these images, but worship (latria) is reserved for God alone.
This practice finds its roots in early Christianity and was defended by the Church at the Second Council of Nicaea in 787 AD, which clarified the use of sacred images. The Church affirmed that honor given to an image passes to the prototype it represents. This means that veneration of an image of Jesus is directed to Jesus Himself, and veneration of an image of a saint is directed to the saint, who, in turn, leads us closer to God.
By using statues and icons, Catholics are not praying to a piece of stone or wood, but are instead reminded of the heavenly realities they symbolize. These sacred images serve as windows to the divine, helping believers focus on God’s presence and the communion of saints who intercede for us. Ultimately, the images are a means to deepen faith, inspire devotion, and remind the faithful of their heavenly calling.
7. Catholicism is Opposed to Science and Reason
Some believe that the Catholic Church is anti-science or that faith and reason are inherently in conflict. This misconception likely arises from misunderstandings of historical events or specific cases, such as the Galileo affair. However, in reality, the Church has long taught that faith and reason are not only compatible but that they complement each other, helping humanity to arrive at a fuller understanding of truth. The Catechism of the Catholic Church affirms that “there can be no real discrepancy between faith and reason” (CCC 159) because both are gifts from God that lead to Him.
The Church recognizes that scientific inquiry and discovery are ways of exploring and appreciating the natural world, which reflects God’s creative genius. Far from opposing scientific endeavors, the Church has been an active supporter of education and research throughout history. Many Catholic priests, monks, and laypeople have made significant contributions to the sciences. For example, Gregor Mendel, an Augustinian friar, is known as the father of modern genetics due to his groundbreaking work on plant hybridization. Similarly, Fr. Georges Lemaître, a Belgian priest and physicist, first proposed the theory of the expansion of the universe, which later became known as the Big Bang Theory.
In addition to these contributions, many Catholic universities and institutions continue to promote scientific research, demonstrating the Church’s commitment to intellectual and scientific advancement. The Pontifical Academy of Sciences, established in 1603, is one of the world’s oldest scientific institutions, bringing together some of the greatest scientific minds, both Catholic and non-Catholic, to discuss and address scientific and ethical issues.
The Church sees science and faith as two wings that help the human spirit rise to the contemplation of truth. Science can explain how the natural world works, while faith provides meaning and purpose to our existence and answers questions that lie beyond the scope of scientific investigation—such as the origin of life, the nature of the soul, and the ultimate purpose of creation. The Church believes that when properly understood, faith and reason work together harmoniously, each enriching and informing the other.
The Church’s embrace of science, while maintaining its theological principles, exemplifies its belief that God is the author of both the Book of Scripture and the Book of Nature. By studying creation, we can come to a deeper understanding of the Creator. Far from being opposed to science, the Catholic Church encourages the faithful to pursue scientific knowledge with the assurance that all truth, whether discovered through reason or revealed through faith, ultimately leads to God.
8. Catholics Must Confess Every Sin to a Priest to Be Forgiven
While Catholics are encouraged to regularly confess their sins in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the Church acknowledges that God’s mercy extends beyond the confessional. The sacrament is the ordinary means of forgiveness, offering grace and reconciliation with God and the Church. However, the Church also teaches that perfect contrition—being sincerely sorry for sins out of love for God—can result in forgiveness if Confession is not possible. This is especially relevant in situations of grave illness or emergencies.
Even though perfect contrition can forgive sins, it doesn’t replace the need for Confession when a priest is available. The sacrament provides graces that help overcome sin and strengthen the soul. Regular Confession is highly encouraged—not just annually, but as often as once a month—to cultivate humility, spiritual growth, and a deeper relationship with God. While God’s mercy is always accessible, the Sacrament of Reconciliation allows Catholics to experience the fullness of His healing grace.
9. Catholics Don’t Have a Personal Relationship with Jesus
Some believe that Catholicism is purely ritualistic and lacks a personal relationship with Christ, but this view misses the profound spiritual depth and intimacy the Church fosters. The Church emphasizes that the rituals, prayers, and sacraments are all designed to lead believers into a closer relationship with Jesus.
The Sacraments, particularly the Eucharist, are not just symbolic gestures but real encounters with Christ. In receiving the Eucharist, Catholics believe they receive the true Body and Blood of Jesus, entering into an intimate communion with Him. Similarly, the liturgy, Scripture, and devotions like the Rosary or Eucharistic Adoration invite the faithful to encounter Christ personally, meditate on His life, and speak to Him in prayer.
While the Church’s rich liturgical tradition is visible and structured, it serves as a gateway to a deeper, more personal relationship with Jesus. Each sacrament and prayer is meant to strengthen that bond, making the rituals not empty acts but living encounters with Christ’s love and grace.
10. The Church is Opposed to Non-Catholics and Teaches That Only Catholics Can Be Saved
The Church teaches that Jesus Christ is the one and only Savior of humanity, and He has established the Catholic Church as His Body on earth. This means that the Church is the ordinary means of salvation. However, the Church also acknowledges that those who are outside its visible structure—through no fault of their own—can still be united to the Church in ways known only to God.
The phrase “no salvation outside the Church” (Latin: Extra Ecclesiam nulla salus) is a traditional teaching of the Church, which affirms that the Catholic Church is necessary for salvation because it is the Body of Christ, through which God dispenses the fullness of the means of grace. When the Church says, “there is no salvation outside the Church,” it is not condemning non-Catholics but rather emphasizing that all salvation comes through Christ and His Church, even if it is not visibly evident. God’s grace is at work in the world in ways beyond our understanding, and the Church acknowledges that those who, through no fault of their own, are ignorant of the truth of the Catholic faith may still be saved if they earnestly seek God and strive to follow His will.
While the Church acknowledges that salvation is possible for those outside its visible structure, it is also important to note that in today’s interconnected world, it is increasingly difficult to be invincibly ignorant of the Catholic Church and its teachings. Because of this, the Church continues to emphasize that the surest and most complete path to salvation is to fully embrace the faith, sacraments, and community of the Catholic Church, where one can receive the fullness of the means of grace and truth entrusted by Christ to His Church.
Bridging Misconceptions: Exploring the Catholic Faith
Understanding these misconceptions helps build bridges and opens the door to deeper dialogue. Catholicism, rich in tradition and teachings, invites everyone to explore the fullness of its faith with an open heart and mind. If you’re curious to learn more, engage in discussions, ask questions, and discover the beauty and depth of the Catholic faith.