Catholic theology
Catholic belief holds that the church exists both on earth and in heaven simultaneously, and thus the Virgin Mary and the saints are alive and part of the living church. Prayers and devotions to Mary and the saints are common practices in Catholic life. These devotions are not worship, since only God is worshiped. The church teaches that the saints "do not cease to intercede with the Father for us. ... So by their fraternal concern is our weakness greatly helped."
Latin Church
The Latin Church (also known as the Western Church or the Roman Catholic Church) is a particular church of the Catholic Church. It is one of 24 sui iuris churches, the 23 other forming the Eastern Catholic Churches. It employs the Latin liturgical rites. It is headed by the Bishop of Rome - the pope, also called the Patriarch of the West - with headquarters in the Vatican City, enclaved within Rome. The Latin Church traces its history to the earliest days of Christianity, according to Catholic tradition, through its leadership under the Holy See.