What are facts about Catholicism?

- The altar is the main part of the church. It should be spectacular and decorated with candlesticks and ornaments.

- Churches must be highly decorated.

- The priest acts as a link to God, so if someone wanted the wisdom of the Lord, they would go to the priest. He was the only one that could contact God.

- Priests should wear special, expensive clothing to show their importance. They are not allowed to marry as this would mean he was like a normal person, and he must not be presented that way.

- The Pope is head of the Catholic Church.

- The Bible and Church services should be held in Latin.

- If you do not worship in the right way, you will go to hell for all eternity.

- People can only be forgiven of their sins when they admit to their sins, and give a gift e.g. money to the church.

Answer

Perhaps a little clarification is in order in light of the above. This applies in all ages of the Church, 1500's as well:

- The sanctuary is the main part of the church. It should be decorated according to the means of the parish though an altar and candlesticks are a must.

- Churches must be made reverent according to the means of the parish.

- The priest is a mediator between God and man, all official church functions are done by him on behalf of the people. Anyone has access to the church and may pray to God.

- Priests should wear clothing to identify themselves and special vestments during liturgical functions. They are not allowed to marry as they are bound solely to the service of the Church and the faithful.

- The Pope is head of the Catholic Church.

- The Bible and Church services should be held in language proper to the rite (i.e. Latin is used in the Latin rite, etc).

- If you do not believe and act in the right way, you will go to hell for all eternity.

- People can be forgiven of their mortal sins when they admit them to a priest in the sacrament of confession or if they make a perfect act of contrition. Venial sins do not need to be confessed. A donation of goods to the Church is sometimes awarded the possibility of an indulgence, which is the remission of temporal punishment incurred by personal sin.