What is the difference between Catholic and Orthodox Christians?

Very close in faith

The Catholic Church says the Orthodox Churches are joined to her in "a communion so profound that it lacks little to attain the fullness" (CCC 838). Both:

• have valid bishops and priests in apostolic succession;
• celebrate the same seven sacraments, including the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist;
• honour Mary as Mother of God and venerate the saints and icons;
• accept the first seven ecumenical councils.

The main differences

• The Pope. Catholics believe the Bishop of Rome, as Peter's successor, has universal jurisdiction and, under specific conditions, infallible teaching authority. The Orthodox accept a primacy of honour for Rome but not universal authority.
• The filioque. The Latin Creed says the Holy Spirit proceeds "from the Father and the Son" (filioque); the Orthodox object to the addition and its theology. Today both sides recognize much common ground.
• Later councils and doctrines. The Orthodox do not accept councils after 787 as ecumenical, nor the formal definitions of the Immaculate Conception or purgatory, though their own traditions hold related beliefs.
• Practice. Leavened bread, Communion for infants, married priests, and a different calendar for Easter in most Orthodox Churches.

How the split happened

Tensions grew over centuries — language, culture, politics and authority — culminating in mutual excommunications in 1054 and worsened by the sack of Constantinople in 1204. In 1965 Pope Paul VI and Patriarch Athenagoras lifted those excommunications.

Eastern Catholics

Twenty-three Eastern Catholic Churches share Orthodox liturgy and traditions while in full communion with Rome — a living bridge between East and West.