10 Common Myths About Catholicism—And What the Church Really Teaches
Catholicism often gets misunderstood—sometimes wildly. Whether it’s from movies, social media, or conversations with people who’ve “heard something,” a lot of misconceptions float around about what Catholics believe and why. These misunderstandings can confuse not only outsiders but even some Catholics themselves.
Let’s clear things up. Here are 10 of the most common myths about Catholicism—and what the Church actually teaches.
1. “Catholics Worship Mary and the Saints”
No, Catholics do not worship Mary or the saints.
Worship (called latria) is reserved for God alone. Catholics give honor (dulia) to the saints and a special honor (hyperdulia) to Mary because of her unique role as the Mother of Jesus. But this is not the same as worship.
Why ask for their intercession? Catholics believe the saints are alive in heaven with God and can pray for us—just like we might ask a friend on earth to pray for us. Mary is honored especially because she said “yes” to God, bringing Jesus into the world, and always leads us to Him: “Do whatever He tells you” (John 2:5).
The goal isn’t to replace Christ—it’s to join in communion with His entire Body, both on earth and in heaven.
2. “The Pope is Infallible All the Time”
This one gets misunderstood a lot. Catholics don’t believe the Pope is perfect or that everything he says is infallible.
Papal infallibility only applies when:
- He speaks ex cathedra (“from the chair” of Peter),
- On matters of faith or morals,
- And intends to bind the whole Church.
This has only happened a handful of times—most notably in 1950, when Pope Pius XII defined the Assumption of Mary as a dogma. The Pope can still make mistakes in personal opinions or in non-doctrinal matters.
Infallibility is not about the Pope being sinless—it’s about the Holy Spirit protecting the Church from error when it counts most.
3. “Catholics Think They Can Earn Their Way to Heaven”
No. The Church clearly teaches that salvation is a free gift of grace from God, made possible through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
We are saved by grace through faith—and that faith must be living, not dead. That’s where good works come in. As St. James writes, “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:26).
Good works don’t earn heaven—they’re a response to grace. When we love, serve, forgive, and live out the Gospel, we’re cooperating with God’s grace, not trying to “buy” our way into heaven.
4. “Catholics Don’t Read the Bible”
Catholics DO read the bible!
The Bible is central to Catholic worship and teaching. Every Mass includes:
- A reading from the Old Testament,
- A Psalm,
- A New Testament epistle,
- And a Gospel reading.
Over a 3-year cycle, Catholics hear most of the Bible at Mass. The Church also encourages personal and group Scripture study. Resources like The Bible in a Year podcast with Fr. Mike Schmitz have made Scripture more accessible—and more popular—than ever.
And Catholics don’t just read the Bible—we helped preserve and compile it. Early Church leaders, guided by the Holy Spirit, discerned the canon of Scripture we have today.
5. “Catholics Re-Crucify Jesus at Every Mass”
Not at all. Catholics believe that Jesus died once for all on the cross (Hebrews 10:10). That sacrifice is not repeated—but it is made present to us in the Eucharist.
The Mass is a re-presentation of the one eternal sacrifice of Christ, not a new sacrifice. Time and space are transcended, and we are spiritually united to the one offering of Jesus on Calvary.
That’s why Catholics believe the Eucharist is so powerful: it’s not just a symbol—it’s a participation in the saving work of Christ.
6. “Catholics Worship Statues and Images”
Worshipping a statue? Definitely not Catholic teaching. Worshipping statues is idolatry, and the Church strongly condemns that.
Statues and icons are visual reminders, like family photos. They help us focus our thoughts on Christ, Mary, and the saints—not on the object itself. The honor shown to an image goes to the person it represents.
This was affirmed at the Second Council of Nicaea in 787 A.D. Catholics venerate images to inspire prayer and reflection—but they worship God alone.
7. “Catholicism is Anti-Science”
Not even close. The Catholic Church has a long history of supporting science.
Many great scientists were Catholic clergy. For example:
- Gregor Mendel, father of modern genetics, was a Catholic monk.
- Fr. Georges Lemaître, a Catholic priest, first proposed the Big Bang Theory.
The Church teaches that faith and reason go together—they’re both gifts from God. Science explores how the world works; faith reveals why we exist and what our purpose is.
The Church even has a Pontifical Academy of Sciences, bringing together top scientists (regardless of religion) to discuss science and ethics.
8. “Catholics Must Confess Every Sin to a Priest to Be Forgiven”
Catholics are encouraged to go to Confession regularly, especially for mortal (serious) sins. The Sacrament of Reconciliation offers not only forgiveness, but grace, healing, and peace.
But what if you can’t get to a priest? The Church teaches that perfect contrition—true sorrow for sin out of love for God—can result in forgiveness if sacramental Confession is not possible.
Still, Catholics are called to confess mortal sins as soon as reasonably possible. Regular confession (even monthly) helps us grow in holiness and receive God’s grace more fully.
9. “Catholics Don’t Have a Personal Relationship with Jesus”
The truth? A personal relationship with Jesus is at the heart of everything in Catholicism. In fact, the entire purpose of the Church’s teachings, sacraments, and prayers is to lead people into a deep, personal relationship with Jesus.
Catholics encounter Jesus in:
- The Eucharist (receiving His Body and Blood),
- Scripture and daily prayer,
- The Sacraments,
- And devotions like the Rosary and Eucharistic Adoration.
The liturgy may seem formal to some, but it is rich with personal and communal encounters with the living Christ. Catholic spirituality is deeply relational at its core.
10. “The Church Teaches Only Catholics Can Be Saved”
Not quite—but don’t misunderstand this.
The Church teaches that Jesus Christ is the one Savior of all people and that He established the Catholic Church as the ordinary means of salvation. This means the fullness of truth, grace, and the sacraments necessary for salvation are found in the Catholic Church.
However, the Church also acknowledges that those who, through no fault of their own, do not know the Catholic faith—but still sincerely seek God and strive to do His will—may be saved by God's grace. This possibility does not mean that other religions are equal paths to salvation, nor does it remove the Church’s central role in God's plan.
This is not a “loophole” or an alternative route—it is an expression of God’s mercy, not a rejection of the Church. Salvation through these extraordinary means is possible only because of Christ and the Church He established.
That’s why the Church continues to proclaim the Gospel and invites all people to discover the fullness of truth and grace in the Catholic faith.
Breaking Down Barriers, Building Bridges
Misconceptions can cause confusion—but clarity builds bridges. The Catholic Church is not just a set of rules or traditions—it’s a living encounter with Jesus Christ, rooted in Scripture, guided by the Spirit, and sustained through the sacraments.
If you’ve ever had questions about Catholicism, we invite you to keep exploring. Ask. Learn. Engage.
You may find that behind the myths is a rich, beautiful faith that leads straight to the heart of God.
