The Hierarchy

The Catholic hierarchy and lines of authority begin with the pope, extend to the bishops, and then to the priests. Fundamental to Catholicism is the belief in a line of spiritual authority that Jesus gave to the apostle Peter and to every pope throughout the millennia. The bishops and archbishops are appointed by the pope and oversee areas of various sizes called dioceses and archdioceses. Priests lead the parishes. The cardinals — the men at Vatican events dressed in red — serve as advisors to the pope, administrators of Vatican areas, and most importantly, are the papal electors.