when was the term roman catholic church first used
Roman Catholic (term) The term "Roman", as in the "Roman Church", has been used since the Middle Ages – often connoting the local particular church of the Diocese of Rome – the first known occurrence of "Roman Catholic" as a synonym for "Catholic Church" was in communication with the Armenian Apostolic Church in 1208, after the East–West Schism.[3][4]
History of the papacy Catholics recognize the pope as the successor to Saint Peter, whom Jesus designated as the "rock" upon which the Church was to be built.[1][2] Although Peter never bore the title of "pope" (pappas), Catholics recognize him as the first bishop of Rome.[3] Official declarations of the Church speak of the popes as holding within the college of the bishops a position analogous to that held by Peter within the "college" of the Apostles, namely Prince of the Apostles, of which the college of the Bishops, a distinct entity, is viewed by some to be the successor.[4][5][6]