On November 1, 1950 Pope Pius XII announced that the Roman Catholic Church was adopting as dogma the Assumption of Mary.

The dogma states that Mary, the mother of Jesus, is more than just a saint of the Church or a hero of faith. It is a declaration of faith in the assumption of Mary, body and soul, into Heaven.

The feast day recognizing Mother of Jesus, passage into Heaven is celebrated as 'The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary' by Roman Catholics.

The Assumption of Mother of Jesus into heaven is also taught by the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Oriental and Coptic Orthodox Churches In those denominations that observe it, is commonly celebrated on August 15.

The Roman Catholic Feast is celebrated on August 15, and the Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholics celebrate the Dormition of the Theotokos (the falling asleep of the Mother of God) on the same date, preceded by a 14-day fast period.

Eastern Orthodox Christians believe that Blessed Virgin Mary died a natural death, that her soul was received by Christ upon death, and that her body was resurrected on the third day after her death and that she was taken up into heaven bodily in anticipation of the general resurrection. Her tomb was found empty on the third day.