Catholics struggled a lot in the past decades to gain equal rights. They were discriminated and mistreated by Protestants, the Ku Klux Klan, and other organizations. They made up a small percent of the United States religion. Now they make up a large percent and Catholicism is one of of the most practiced religion in some states.
Roman Catholicism is a branch of the Christian religion. They have unique traditions and practices and their own beliefs aside from those of Christians. Catholicism has become one of the largest Christian groups with around a billion followers. In nearly all Latin countries, Spain and Italy, Catholicism is the most practiced religion and it makes up half of the worlds Christians. Statistics show that in 2001, 24% of Americans identified themselves as Catholics. Around five Supreme Court Justices are Catholics. Catholic citizens have gain respect from the community and from different people around the world. They are no longer discriminated and are free to walk down the streets without facing any kind of danger. Catholics have their private churches, priests and many loyal followers.
http://www.religionfacts.com/christianity/denominations/catholicism.htm
http://www.curledup.com/acstody.htm