What are some similarities between Catholicism and Lutheranism?

Both Churches are liturgical (observe the mass) and both believe the Bible, the three ecumenical creeds and the Ten Commandments to be authorative. Both are governed by deacons, priests and bishops ( although not all Lutheran churches follow the same hierarchy). Both believe in the "true presence" of Jesus in the Eucharist. Both are sacramentarian in nature. Both claim their roots in the early church. Both believe in original sin and infant baptism. The Lutheran and Anglican (Episcopal) Churches are the most similar in belief and practice to the Roman Catholic Church amongst the non-Roman churches. The main differences between Lutherans and Catholics are based on the papacy (office of the pope) and on doctrines of "justification."

Lutheranism and Roman Catholicism are both historic, liturgical and sacramental Churches and share a history up to the point of their division in the 1500's. Both have a leadership based on an ordained office of public ministry (priests), diaconate (deacons and deaconesses) and episcopacy (bishops). They differ mainly on the primacy of the pope and on the doctrine of justification. Since their division, other differences have arisen. The two Churches have been in ecumenical dialogue over the last few decades. The Lutheran and Anglican (including Episcopal) Churches are most similar to the Roman Catholic Church amongst the Churches usually categorized as "Protestant."