Expert: Fr. Michael - 3/30/2009

Question
Hello Fr. Michael,  Can you please tell me when the word "Catholic" was introduced and who exactly was Constantine?  My brother and I were discussing the word "Catholic" which I know means universal.  He keeps arguing with me that the word "Catholic" was not in the bible.  Please explain.  Thanks and God bless!  Patricia

Answer
    The earliest recorded figure who called use the term "Catholic" for the Church was St. Ignatius of Antioch (ca. 50-107), one of the Apostolic Fathers, using the Greek word "katholicos" (universal) in order to point out the universality of the Church founded by Christ as opposed to the Judaism and the false sects of the heretics.  It is found for the first time in his letter written ca. 110 addressed to the people of Smyrna.

    Constantine I, the Great (306-337), emperor of Rome, issued in 313 the Edict of Milan, providing for freedom of worship, granted to all subjects of the Roman empire.  In 315 he declared Christianity the state religion.  He relocated the imperial capital from Rome to Constantinople.  In thus relinquishing Rome to the Catholic Popes, he strengthened papal authority by giving it unprecedented freedom from secular influences so necessary for the discipline of the Church and the extension of the Catholic Faith.  As the political power of Rome later declined, the Pope inherited some of the emperor's position as symbol and defender of civilization.  Constatantine donated his Lateran palace in Rome as a gift to the Roman pontiffs.