The Old Catholic Church is a Christian denomination that emerged in the late 19th century as a response to the dogmatic changes introduced by the First Vatican Council in 1870, particularly the doctrine of papal infallibility. It seeks to maintain traditional Catholic beliefs and practices while rejecting the authority of the Pope in Rome. Old Catholics emphasize the importance of local governance and the autonomy of national churches. They celebrate the sacraments and uphold the apostolic tradition, while also promoting a more inclusive approach to theology and social issues, distinguishing themselves from both the Roman Catholic Church and other Protestant denominations.