Why is the Catholic religion called Roman Catholic?

Answer 1

We used to be called Christians but now it is to distinguish the Catholic Church from otehr denominations.

ANSWER:

Technically, I'm not sure Christians were ever called "Christians." The earliest record of Christians identified as Catholics is St. Ignatius of Antioch's Letter to the Smyrneaons in 106 AD.

Catholic means "universal' -- the universal Church of Christ, spanning/encompassing all nations & respecting all cultures throughout the world. Christ's Church is neither American nor Italian nor Egyptian nor Asian. It is "universal."

Answer 2

The word catholic actually translates to, "Universal." It is called this because Catholicism is taught all over the world. Its also believed to be a religion for everyone, hence the name, "universal."

The word was adopted originally from a letter written to Christians by Ignatius of Antioch around the year 108, in which he described the Church devoted to Jesus Christ as Catholic, or universal, as described above.

Answer 3

The term Roman Catholic comes from the Greek word katholikos means 'universal'. The reason for calling the Christian sect Roman Catholic is because the leader of Catholics, the Pope, lives in Vatican City, which is within the city of Rome, Italy. Rome is also the site where Roman Emperor Constantine defeated the Emperor Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian Bridge, which was the battle that allowed Constantine to become Emperor and make Christianity legal within the Roman Empire.

Answer 4

The seat of Catholocism is in Rome because this is where the Pope (who is the leader of the world's Catholics) resides there.