History of the Catholic Church

In this episode, we explore the history of the Catholic Church from its first-century origins to its role in the modern world. We trace the establishment of the papacy under St. Peter, Christianity’s rise from a persecuted faith to the official religion of the Roman Empire, and major turning points such as the East-West Schism, the missionary expansion of the Age of Discovery, and the reforms of the Counter-Reformation. The episode also examines the Church’s complex responses to Enlightenment secularism, political revolutions, and twentieth-century dictatorships, while highlighting its enduring influence through education, healthcare, and charitable work. Finally, we consider how the First and Second Vatican Councils reshaped Catholic theology, worship, and engagement with contemporary society.