1 Yes, Catholics believe in the resurrection of the dead. This belief is a central pillar of the Catholic faith, based on the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which serves as proof and a model for the resurrection of all the faithful. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that, at the end of times, bodies will be resurrected and reunited with souls in a perfect and glorified union. This resurrection of the dead will occur at the moment of Christ's return, when He will judge the living and the dead, thus fulfilling the promises of salvation.
The Catholic doctrine is firmly supported by the Scriptures. In 1 Corinthians 15:20, Saint Paul states, "But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep." This verse confirms that the resurrection of Christ is the guarantee of the resurrection of the dead. In John 11:25-26, Jesus declares, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die." These verses illustrate the Catholic hope in eternal life and the transformation of bodies on the last day.
Catholics believe in the resurrection of the dead as a truth of faith. In the Creed, which is recited at every Mass, the community reaffirms this belief by saying, "I believe in the resurrection of the dead and the life everlasting." This profession of faith reinforces the trust of the faithful that death is not the end, but the beginning of a new life in union with God. The resurrection of the dead is not merely symbolic; it is a concrete promise of physical and spiritual transformation.
The Church teaches that on the day of the resurrection, the bodies of the faithful will be transformed into glorified, immortal, and incorruptible bodies, like that of Christ after His resurrection. Catholics believe in the resurrection of the dead based on the divine promise that death will be overcome and eternal life will be attained for those who remain faithful. The belief in the resurrection of the dead is, therefore, a living hope that illuminates the journey of Catholics toward eternal life.
Finally, in Romans 8:11, we find further confirmation: "And if the Spirit of the one who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies." This promise reiterates the Catholic faith that, just as Christ was raised, the faithful will also be resurrected on the last day.
