Who is who in the Church?

7 min

Awaiting theological review

The simple answer

The Catholic Church is a family with a shape. Bishops are the successors of the apostles; priests and deacons help them; the Pope is the Bishop of Rome, successor of Peter, who serves the unity of everyone. Most Catholics are lay people — and the Church teaches that every one of them, ordained or not, is equally called to holiness.

In the Bible

Scripture

Jesus gives Simon the name Peter, the rock on which he will build his Church, and the keys of the kingdom; after the Resurrection he tells him to feed his sheep.

Matthew 16:13–19 · John 21:15–17

Scripture

The apostles choose seven men to serve at tables so that they can devote themselves to prayer and preaching — traditionally seen as the first deacons.

Acts of the Apostles 6:1–6

Scripture

Paul and Barnabas appoint elders (presbyters) in every church; Paul's letters describe the qualities of bishops and deacons.

Acts of the Apostles 14:22 · 1 Timothy 3:1–13 · Titus 1:5

Scripture

Jesus says that among his disciples whoever wants to be great must be the servant of all.

Mark 10:42–45

Where it comes from

Early Christian source

Around 96, Clement of Rome writes that the apostles appointed successors; around 107, Ignatius of Antioch describes each church with one bishop, presbyters and deacons.

Clement of Rome, 1 Clement 42–44; Ignatius of Antioch, Letter to the Smyrnaeans 8(awaiting verification)

Historical context

Cardinals began as the leading clergy of Rome. Since 1059 they have elected the Pope; the conclave (from Latin, with a key) dates from 1274.

What the Church teaches

Catechism

There are three degrees of the sacrament of Holy Orders: bishop, priest and deacon.

CCC 1554

Catechism

The Pope, as Bishop of Rome and Peter's successor, is the perpetual and visible source and foundation of the unity of the bishops and of the faithful.

CCC 882

Church teaching

All the faithful, whatever their state, are called to the fullness of Christian life and to the perfection of love.

Lumen Gentium, 40

Who is who

1
Pope
The Bishop of Rome, successor of Peter. He serves the unity of the whole Church, with and at the head of all the bishops.
CCC 880–882
2
Cardinal
Not a higher sacrament but an office: cardinals advise the Pope, and those under 80 elect a new Pope in conclave. Most are bishops.
Code of Canon Law, can. 349
3
Archbishop
A bishop who leads an archdiocese. A metropolitan archbishop also has some responsibilities for the neighbouring dioceses of his province.
Code of Canon Law, can. 435–436
4
Bishop
Receives the fullness of Holy Orders; successor of the apostles. He teaches, sanctifies and governs a diocese.
CCC 1555–1558
5
Priest
Co-worker of the bishop. He celebrates Mass, hears confessions, anoints the sick and usually serves a parish.
CCC 1562–1568
6
Deacon
Ordained for service: he proclaims the Gospel, preaches, baptises, witnesses marriages, leads funerals and serves the poor. Permanent deacons may be married men.
CCC 1569–1571
7
Religious brother or sister
Men and women who take vows of poverty, chastity and obedience in a community, and often serve in schools, hospitals and among the poor. Brothers and sisters are not ordained.
CCC 914–916
8
Monk or nun
Religious who live a life of prayer and work in a monastery, often enclosed — Benedictines, Poor Clares, Carmelite nuns. In everyday speech, nun is often used for all sisters.
CCC 925–927
9
Lay person
Every baptised person who is not ordained or in consecrated life — nearly all Catholics. Called to holiness in family, work and society.
CCC 897–900

A common misunderstanding

The hierarchy is a ladder of holiness: the higher, the holier.

In fact

It is a structure of service, not of holiness. A grandmother praying in the back pew may be holier than a cardinal. And papal infallibility does not mean the Pope is sinless or that everything he says is infallible (CCC 891).

Why it matters today

It helps to know who does what: your parish priest for baptisms, weddings and confession; your bishop, who leads the diocese; and you — the Church is not someone else.

Bible passages

Matthew 16:13–19 · John 21:15–17 · Acts of the Apostles 6:1–6 · Acts of the Apostles 14:22 · 1 Timothy 3:1–13 · Mark 10:42–45

Catechism

CCC 874–896; 1554; 882; 891; 897–913; 914–933 ↗