Given the majority of Catholics belong to the Latin (Roman) rite, it is acceptable to use Roman Catholic Church on first reference if the context is clearly referring to the Latin rite. However, when referring to the pope, the Vatican or the universal church, Catholic Church should be used since it encompasses believers belonging to the Latin and Eastern churches that are in communion with Rome. Similarly, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops includes bishops from Eastern churches as well as Roman Catholic bishops. See Roman Catholic Church. It was amazing to us, for example, that the Sikh religion wasn’t in there.

Source: Washington Post April 08, 2022 22:13 UTC