Hmm. I don't quite know what to say.
Apparently the term "Roman Catholic" was first invented in the 17th century --- by Anglicans. I don't think it's used in official Catholic church documents.
In an earlier era, the Byzantines were the "Roms" (because Constantinople was the "Second Rome" and the Eastern Empire was the Roman Empire) and the Catholics were the "Franks" --- so called mostly by the Muslims. I remember how startled I was to read all of Western Europe, west of Ukraine, called the "Land of the Franks."
It's a little confusing, because some early (pre-Reformation) documents use the term "Roman Church" to mean the "whole" church, but others use it to mean just the See of Rome, that is, the Diocese of Rome.
I've seen it used to designate the Latin Rite, but that's even more confusing, because (1)most Western Christians don't use Latin liturgically anymore, and (2) properly speaking, it's not a "rite" but a "Church." The Melkites, Maronites, and Chaldeans, similarly, are not "rites" but "Churches." Catholic Churches!!
As for whether "Roman Catholic" should be used now for Western Catholics, it seems like it's so widespread there's no stopping it.
My inclination, though, is that "Catholics" in the West should simply be called "Catholic".
I trust I have made myself sufficiently obscure?
**My inclination, though, is that “Catholics” in the West should simply be called “Catholic”. **
Correcto, my friend.
Ukrainian (Catholic) Church an example of 'synodality' for Pope
Traditional Rites in Union Now with the Catholic Church
Catholic conservatives: A traditionalist avant-garde
The Rites of the Catholic Church [Catholic Caucus]
One and Many Churches (origins of the Church)
THE RITES OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH -- There are many!
(Cardinal) Newman on Rites and Ceremonies
I guess you only skimmed my chart . Search "Roman."
My inclination, though, is that "Catholics" in the West should simply be called "Catholic". I trust I have made myself sufficiently obscure?
You are not censuring us for using it, as some RCs do! But related to this is the assertion that the EOs are not Catholic, made by some RCs, while they say otherwise, and thus Roman Catholic is justified when making a distinction.
However, i also often use RC to save typing, and the corrections i must make about every 3 words due to my arthritic fingers. Thank God He uses them, glory to God.