
Catholic and Orthodox Church divisions
The divisions between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches primarily stem from historical, theological, and cultural differences. In 1054, the Great Schism formally split Christianity into the Roman Catholic Church, centered in Rome and led by the Pope, and the Eastern Orthodox Churches, led by patriarchs in various regions, like Constantinople. Key issues include disagreements over papal authority, the nature of the Holy Spirit, and ecclesiastical traditions. While both share core beliefs, such as the sacraments and reverence for the Scriptures, they practice their faith differently and have unique liturgical traditions and governance structures.