I would challenge your assertion and say that the number of idols in Catholicism is zero. If by “idols” you mean statues, then yes — we have statues. But Scripture defines an idol not as a statue, but as an object that is worshipped. Catholics do not worship statues.
A closer look at Scripture shows that God forbids idolatry, not imagery. In fact, only a few chapters after the Ten Commandments, God commands the creation of sacred images. He instructs Moses to build the Ark of the Covenant topped with carved cherubim. He later commands that images of heavenly beings adorn the Temple. When the Israelites were bitten by serpents, God ordered Moses to make a bronze serpent and told the people to look upon it for healing.
The pattern is clear: the image itself is not sinful; the misuse of the image is. Creating an image for the purpose of worship is idolatry. Using an image within worship — as a reminder, a teaching tool, or a symbol — is not.
Christians have used sacred images since the earliest centuries. These images are not objects of worship; they are reminders of the holy lives we strive to imitate. Think of it this way: imagine you’re deployed or on a long mission, far from your wife. You keep her picture by your bunk. At the end of a hard day, you look at it and say, “Help me stay strong.” Are you worshipping your wife? Do you think the picture hears you? Of course not. The image simply strengthens you. In the same way, statues remind us of those who have gone before us and set an example worth following.
It’s also important to remember that some Protestants define “prayer” as worship. But historically, prayer simply means to ask. Prayer can be part of worship, but it is not limited to worship. Asking a saint to intercede for us is no more worship than asking a friend to pray for us. Revelation 5:8 and 8:4 show heavenly beings presenting our prayers to God — intercession is a biblical reality.
When Catholics “pray to” a saint, we are asking for their intercession, not offering them worship. We know the difference. It is usually those who oppose Catholicism who insist we do not.
Regarding Mary specifically: she is honored because God Himself honored her. She was chosen to bear Christ — a privilege given to no one else in history. In the Davidic kingdom, the queen was not the king’s wife but his mother. Solomon placed his mother on a throne beside his and told her he would not refuse her requests. People sought her intercession, and she brought their petitions to the king.
This Old Testament pattern is fulfilled in the New Testament. At the Wedding at Cana, Mary intercedes, and Jesus responds. Her role as Queen Mother is rooted in Scripture, not in idolatry.
So before calling Mary an idol, consider that God Himself elevated her. Catholics simply acknowledge the honor He gave her.
If you have more questions about Mary, please also see the following articles:
Catholics call Mary queen when she was just a woman that played a minor role in the Bible. This is a man-made tradition. How can you follow this non-Biblical teaching?