what do Catholics think that Rome is Holy or Jerusalem, which one is more important to them?

Answer 1

It would depend on WHEN you asked the question.

During what we sometimes refer to as the "Dark Ages," the time when the Roman Empire was split into an eastern and a western half, the western church would have considered Rome most important, and the eastern church would have considered Constantinople (named after Constantine, who established Christianity in the Roman Empire) most holy.

During the last half of the 8th Century, Charlemagne tried to unite western Europe into "The Holy Roman Empire," of SNL 'Coffee Talk' fame. He didn't manage to resurrect the Roman Empire as a Christian empire, but he did define western Europe. Rome was the most holy city during this period.

During the Middle Ages, probably beginning just before the first millenium, Jerusalem was considered the most holy city, and you could argue that it was during this time that the "Catholic" Church was most powerful. So you could say that the Catholic Church considered Jerusalem the most holy city at this time. At this time, the world was considered flat, and Jerusalem was referred to as the "center" of the world. Much of this was probably "hype," trying to urge the cause of crusades to capture Jerusalem.

During the 14th Century, there were several Popes who were French and tried to move the Papacy from Rome to Avignon in France. There were, to put it mildly, mixed feelings about which city was the holiest and/or most important during this period.

During the Reformation, Rome became the most important city, because that was where the Vatican issued all the official decrees. If there was a question about "Catholic" doctrine, the answer came from Rome, and in fact, one of the complaints of Protestants was that "Rome" was trying to control all the countries in the world, and Henry VIII splitting from the Catholic Rome over the problem of divorce was one good example.

(It's funny, but Henry actually wrote an essay about prior divorce being an impediment to marriage, his agenda being to obtain an annullment for his first marriage from Rome. He not only got what he wanted, but received a title calling him a protector of the Holy Church, which the kings of England still retain today.)

The idea that Rome is the most holy city today probably has to do with its having such a long history, and having so many holy people buried there. It is only Roman Catholics who think this, however. Most Protestants still consider Jerusalem the most holy city.

Answer 2

I wouldn't sweat it so much. Catholics believe that all Christians are Christians. They believe in something like 'conscious objector' or something. They also believe that other Christian Churches are true to a degree, for if they were not, then they would cease to exist. Catholics may be very proud that they have been one of the oldest Christian Churches around, but it is really nothing more than a Yankees fan thinking the Yankees are the best. The Bottom line is that their are many pro-Catholic and Anti-Catholic people out there. But once you sit down and read what Catholics believe about salvation, you will find it to be very open, in that just about anyone can still make it to heaven. I hope this was helpful.

Answer 3

Jerusalem

Answer 4

To me it seems that Rome is Holy because it is where Christianity began to spread - throughout the Roman Empire. With Constantine's help ( another Roman ruler) Christianity became more tolerated. Jerusalem is the birthplace of Jesus - and that's why it's holy

Answer 5

Jerusalem.

Answer 6

Jerusalem is the holy city, Rome has nothing to do with any holiness, except to house his holiness the Pope.

Answer 7

Let's see: Roman Catholic, Rome. Jesus Christ Birthplace: Jerusalem/Bethlehem. It's all important.

Answer 8

I believe God has put Catholics in many strategic places. We've been based in Jerusalem, in Rome, in France ... and with the formation of Papal States (assigning Bishops to each region) well, we're everywhere UNITED in scripture, sacrements, and tradition.

A repeating theme in the Bible is God moving his ppl from one area to another. Joseph moved his father and brothers from Israel to Egypt and saved them during a famine. Then Moses took them out of Egypt into a new Holy Land ... time and time again, God moves his people to lands of Milk and Honey ... and since Jerusalem is kinda all dryad out, it's a good historical mark, but ah, God isn't leading everyone there for Milk and Honey now a days is He??? I would guess the next land of Milk and Honey is China.

Answer 9

Without prejudice!!!
Something tells me that you already know
the answer to that "trick" question.
It's almost a case of when Jesus said:
"If I answer this, they'll say this...
and if I answer that, they'll say that",
so I won't say much more than this...
As long as it has to do with traditions,
and "untruths", the better it seems to feel
to all who like to call themselves a "good catholic".
God Himself knows I still love them;
It's what's at the top that is disgusting
As they know better than any of the crap
they are feeding these poor unlightened souls.
If I know so much, it's because I used to be one of them.
Today I just thank God for not letting me die
in my very own ignorance
and for lifting that veil off of my eyes
so that I could finally see the glorious good news
of His pure Love and Kingdom
which will soon manifest itself and make all others obsolete.

Answer 10

Jerusalem is the holiest city.

Roman - is a reference to where Peter went to preach. The Jews would not have tolerated a Christian Patriarch at the time. Remember what they did to Christ?