Hierarchy of the Catholic Church

Bishops, Priests, and Deacons

The hierarchy of the Catholic Church consists of its bishops, priests, and deacons. Bishops are the successors of the apostles and have the fullness of the sacrament of Holy Orders. They are responsible for governing their dioceses and for ordaining priests and deacons. Priests are ordained to celebrate the sacraments and to preach the Gospel. Deacons are ordained to assist the bishop and the priest in the celebration of the sacraments and in the care of the poor and the sick.

Ecclesiological Meaning of Hierarchy

In the ecclesiological sense of the term, hierarchy strictly means a "holy ordering." It is a reflection of the order and harmony of the Trinity and of the created world. The hierarchical structure of the Church is not a matter of power or privilege, but rather a way of ensuring that the Church's mission is carried out in an orderly and effective manner.

Structure of the Hierarchy

The Catholic Church is organized into a hierarchical structure, with the pope at the head. The pope is the successor of Peter, the first bishop of Rome, and is considered the vicar of Christ on earth. The pope is assisted by the College of Cardinals, which is made up of bishops from around the world. The College of Cardinals elects the pope and advises him on matters of governance.

Below the pope are the patriarchs, archbishops, and bishops. Patriarchs are the heads of the Eastern Catholic Churches, which are in communion with the pope. Archbishops are the heads of archdioceses, which are large dioceses that are divided into smaller dioceses. Bishops are the heads of dioceses, which are the basic units of the Catholic Church.

Priests and deacons are ordained to serve the bishop and the people of God. Priests are ordained to celebrate the sacraments and to preach the Gospel. Deacons are ordained to assist the bishop and the priest in the celebration of the sacraments and in the care of the poor and the sick.

Order of Precedence

The order of precedence in the Catholic Church is organized by rank within the hierarchy. First, according to order, then jurisdiction, and finally to titular or ad honorem rank. The order of precedence is as follows:

1. Pope
2. Patriarchs
3. Cardinals
4. Archbishops
5. Bishops
6. Priests
7. Deacons