Answer
Confucianism, a Chinese philosophy and system of thought, shares similarities with Catholicism. Both emphasize the importance of social harmony, reverence for elders and ancestors, and the cultivation of personal virtues. Confucian teachings also stress the significance of rituals and ceremonies, which resonate with Catholic practices. Understanding these connections allowed Matteo Ricci, an Italian Jesuit missionary, to effectively disseminate Catholic beliefs in China during the late Ming Dynasty.