Catholics understand Christ as head of the Church in every place and time.
Jesus called the Twelve, entrusted Peter with care for his flock, and sent the apostles to teach and baptize.
Jesus calls his disciples to follow him and sends them to teach and baptize. Catholics look to his life, death and Resurrection as the foundation of the Church’s faith.
Why Christ heads the Church
Catholics believe Christ is the eternal Son of God and the head of his Church. His place in the chart expresses that belief; it has no election, term or removal process.
Jesus Christ and infallibility
Catholics believe that Jesus, the Son of God, reveals the Father truthfully. The conditions for an infallible papal definition apply to a human teaching office. When someone says “Jesus meant this,” that person’s interpretation needs to be weighed against Scripture and the Church’s teaching.
As Bishop of Rome, the Pope shepherds the Diocese of Rome. As successor of Peter, he also shepherds the worldwide Catholic Church.
As Peter’s successor, the Pope shepherds the universal Church and serves the unity of the bishops.
As Bishop of Rome and successor of Peter, the Pope serves the communion of the whole Church. He confirms believers in the faith, appoints bishops and teaches through preaching and official documents.
Election and end of office
Eligible cardinals elect the Pope in a conclave by a two-thirds majority. The man elected must accept. If he is already a bishop, he becomes Pope upon acceptance. Otherwise he must first be ordained a bishop. He serves until death or until a resignation he makes freely and properly declares takes effect. No one needs to accept it, and the cardinals have no power to vote him out.
The Pope and infallibility
The Pope teaches infallibly when, acting as supreme shepherd and teacher of all Christians, he definitively proclaims a doctrine of faith or morals for the whole Church to hold. This is called speaking ex cathedra. An interview, personal opinion or prediction carries no such guarantee. His ordinary official teaching can still call for religious assent.
239 worldwide · Worldwide service · local duties vary
Cardinals
Where this role serves
Cardinals advise the Pope on matters affecting the whole Church. A cardinal governs a diocese only if he also holds that office. His honorary connection to a church in Rome gives him no authority to administer that parish.
Cardinals advise the Pope. Eligible cardinals elect his successor. Most cardinals are bishops.
Cardinals assist the Pope individually and when he gathers them for consultation. One might lead an archdiocese, serve in a Vatican office or advise the Pope on a particular question.
Appointment and end of membership
The Pope personally chooses cardinals and publicly proclaims their names. Membership normally lasts for life. A cardinal can resign the dignity with papal consent or be formally deprived of it. Turning 80 affects eligibility to vote in a future conclave. He remains a cardinal.
Cardinals and infallibility
Appointment as a cardinal gives no personal power to define doctrine infallibly. A cardinal can faithfully repeat an infallible teaching. His interview or recommendation to the Pope remains his own judgment. A cardinal who is also a bishop can participate in the teaching of the worldwide body of bishops with the Pope.
A diocesan bishop oversees the parishes and Catholic faithful entrusted to him within his diocese, usually a defined territory. An auxiliary bishop assists him. Some bishops serve in other offices.
Successors of the apostles, bishops teach, sanctify and govern. A diocesan bishop cares for the local Church entrusted to him.
A diocesan bishop oversees worship, teaching and pastoral care in his diocese. He ordains clergy and entrusts parishes to pastors. An auxiliary bishop helps him carry out this work.
Appointment and end of office
In the Latin Church, the Pope normally appoints a diocesan bishop after confidential consultation. Where a lawful election is held, the Pope confirms the choice. A priest chosen as bishop receives episcopal ordination. At 75, a diocesan bishop is asked to submit his resignation to the Pope. His office ends through death, an accepted resignation, transfer or formal deprivation of office. He remains ordained when he leaves the diocese.
Bishops and infallibility
The bishops together with the Pope can teach infallibly when they definitively settle a matter of faith or morals for the whole Church at an ecumenical council. They can also do so while dispersed throughout the world when, in communion with one another and the Pope, they agree that a doctrine must be held definitively. An individual bishop’s pastoral letter does not by itself define doctrine infallibly. His authentic teaching still deserves religious assent.
An archdiocese is a diocese given special standing and usually led by an archbishop. Most are metropolitan sees, the principal dioceses in groups of neighboring dioceses called ecclesiastical provinces. A metropolitan archbishop governs his own archdiocese and has limited oversight duties in the province. Each neighboring diocese has its own bishop, who governs it. Some archbishops serve in other offices.
An archbishop is a bishop who usually leads an archdiocese. Some hold the title while serving in another Church office.
An archbishop who leads an archdiocese has the same pastoral responsibilities there that a diocesan bishop has in his diocese. A metropolitan archbishop also has limited responsibilities within his ecclesiastical province.
Appointment and end of office
For a Latin archdiocese, the Pope normally appoints its archbishop, often transferring a bishop from another diocese. A bishop who becomes an archbishop receives no further ordination. Like a diocesan bishop, he is asked to submit his resignation at 75. Death, an accepted resignation, transfer or formal deprivation ends his leadership of that archdiocese.
Archbishops and infallibility
An archbishop shares in the worldwide episcopal teaching office on the same terms as other bishops. The bishops in communion with the Pope can teach a doctrine of faith or morals definitively for the whole Church. Heading an archdiocese gives an individual sermon, interview or provincial statement no separate guarantee of infallibility.
A pastor cares for the people of one or more parishes entrusted to him. A parish usually has geographic boundaries. Other priests may assist in a parish or serve a particular community, such as a hospital or university.
Priests assist their bishop. They celebrate Mass, hear confessions and anoint the sick. A pastor has particular care of a parish.
In parish life a priest celebrates Mass, hears confessions, anoints the sick and accompanies people through grief and family milestones. A priest appointed pastor also has responsibility for the care of the parish.
Ordination, assignment and removal
After formation and approval, a bishop ordains a deacon to the priesthood. A separate appointment gives a priest responsibility for a parish. The diocesan bishop normally appoints the pastor, can transfer him, and may remove him for a cause recognized by Church law using the prescribed process. A pastor is asked to offer his resignation at 75. Leaving a parish or retiring does not undo ordination.
Priests and infallibility
A priest can proclaim an infallibly taught doctrine, such as Christ’s Resurrection. Its authority comes from the doctrine he passes on. Ordination gives him no personal power to define doctrine infallibly. His explanation of a family dispute or his advice in a homily can involve fallible judgment.
52,102 permanent deacons · Assigned parish or community
Deacons
Where this role serves
A deacon serves where his bishop assigns him. His ministry might center on one parish, several parishes, a prison or a diocesan outreach program.
Deacons proclaim the Gospel, assist at the altar, baptize and serve people in need. This figure counts permanent deacons only.
At Mass a deacon proclaims the Gospel and assists at the altar. Outside Mass he may baptize, witness marriages when authorized, lead funeral rites and organize care for people in need.
Ordination, assignment and removal
After formation and approval, a bishop ordains the candidate a deacon. The bishop assigns a diocesan deacon to serve a parish or another ministry and can change or end that assignment. A permanent deacon may retire from active service. Restrictions on ministry or dismissal from the clerical state follow Church law. Valid ordination remains permanent.
Deacons and infallibility
When a deacon faithfully teaches a doctrine already held infallibly, that doctrine retains its authority. Proclaiming the Gospel or being authorized to preach gives his own interpretation no personal guarantee of infallibility. A practical suggestion in his homily can be weighed on its merits.
An archdiocese is a diocese with special standing, usually led by an archbishop. In a metropolitan province, it is the principal diocese among several neighboring dioceses. Each diocesan bishop remains responsible for his own diocese.
For example, St. Paul Parish in Highland belongs to the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois. Its pastor serves the parish, and the Bishop of Springfield oversees the diocese.
A man can be both an archbishop and a cardinal. A bishop receives the fullness of Holy Orders at his episcopal ordination. When the Pope later names him an archbishop or a cardinal, he takes on a new responsibility without another ordination.
Worldwide counts checked November 8, 2026. GCatholic lists 239 living cardinals and 1,209 living archbishops in its Archbishops category, including 728 active. It lists cardinals, patriarchs and major archbishops separately. View the worldwide directory
The whole people of God
The Church counted about 1.422 billion baptized Catholics in 2024. Lay Catholics carry the Gospel into homes, workplaces and public life. Women and men in religious life witness through prayer, community and service. The total includes clergy and religious.
Population figures are for June 2024 and the counts of bishops, priests and permanent deacons are for December 2024. Read the worldwide statistics
When is a teaching infallible?
A priest may draw on his upbringing when he preaches about forgiveness. His family story can illuminate the Gospel, and listeners can weigh his advice. When he faithfully repeats a defined doctrine, its authority comes from the Church’s teaching office.
Catholics believe the Holy Spirit protects the Church from error when the Pope, acting as shepherd of the whole Church, definitively proclaims a doctrine of faith or morals for all the faithful. The bishops united with him can also teach infallibly, whether by a definitive judgment in an ecumenical council or when, dispersed throughout the world, they agree that a teaching must be held definitively.
Other authentic teachings also call for religious assent. A homily, interview or personal opinion carries no automatic guarantee of infallibility.
A parish brings together Catholics of every age and walk of life, including children, parents, single adults, religious sisters and brothers, and older and homebound members. Many parishioners also serve in the ministries shown here. Select a numbered spot or a role name to see what the person does and how service begins and ends. This is an illustrative parish layout. Some roles also take place in homes and in the community.
Priest
At the altar
The priest presides at Mass. He leads the Eucharistic Prayer at the altar and ordinarily leads the gathering and concluding rites from the celebrant’s chair.
How this role begins and ends
After formation and approval, a bishop ordains a deacon to the priesthood. A separate appointment gives a priest responsibility for a parish. The diocesan bishop normally appoints the pastor, can transfer him, and may remove him for a cause recognized by Church law using the prescribed process. A pastor is asked to offer his resignation at 75. Leaving a parish or retiring does not undo ordination.
Deacon
Beside the priest in the sanctuary
The deacon assists at the altar and moves to the ambo to proclaim the Gospel. His position changes during the celebration.
How this role begins and ends
After formation and approval, a bishop ordains the candidate a deacon. The bishop assigns a diocesan deacon to serve a parish or another ministry and can change or end that assignment. A permanent deacon may retire from active service. Restrictions on ministry or dismissal from the clerical state follow Church law. Valid ordination remains permanent.
Parishioners
At Mass, people in the pews listen to Scripture, sing, pray and offer their lives to God with the gifts brought to the altar. Parish life reaches beyond the building to those who cannot attend.
What does Baptism do?
Through Baptism, God forgives sin, gives us new life in Christ and makes us members of his Church. This is where our lifelong calling to follow Jesus and love our neighbor begins.
What does Confirmation do?
Confirmation deepens the grace of Baptism and seals us with the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit strengthens us to speak about our faith and live it courageously.
How can I share the Good News?
At home, let a child see you ask forgiveness as readily as you offer it. In the parish, sit with someone who usually comes alone or bring a meal to a homebound neighbor. When someone asks why you care, tell them in your own words how Jesus has shown you that same love. You can also invite them to join you at Mass.
Before Mass, sacristans lay out the vestments, books and vessels needed for the celebration. Where they serve. The church or churches where the sacristan is assigned.
How this role begins and ends
The pastor or rector entrusts this work to suitable people. A sacristan may step down or the parish may assign the duties to someone else.
Greeters and ushers
Entrance
They welcome people at the door, help visitors find seats and assist with the collection. Where they serve. The parish church or worship site where they welcome the congregation.
How this role begins and ends
Parishioners can volunteer through the hospitality coordinator. The parish arranges training and schedules under the pastor’s direction. A volunteer can step down or be taken off the schedule.
Altar servers
Beside the altar
They carry the cross and candles in procession, hold the prayer book and assist the priest and deacon at the altar. Where they serve. The church or liturgy for which they are scheduled.
How this role begins and ends
The parish invites and trains servers under the pastor’s direction. Servers can stop volunteering, or the parish can change or end their assignment.
Readers (lectors)
Ambo
They proclaim the Scripture readings before the Gospel. The deacon or priest proclaims the Gospel. Where they serve. The parish or worship site where they are designated to read.
How this role begins and ends
The pastor or rector may designate a prepared reader for Mass and may end that assignment. A formally instituted lector receives a stable ministry through a distinct Church rite.
Cantors, choir members and musicians
Choir area
The psalmist sings the verses of the responsorial psalm. Cantors lead the congregation’s singing, with support from the choir and instrumentalists. Where they serve. The parish or liturgy where the musicians are scheduled.
How this role begins and ends
The parish music director or pastor invites musicians and assigns parts. Volunteers can step down or be reassigned. Paid positions also follow the terms of employment.
Extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion
Communion station
When needed, designated lay people help distribute Holy Communion. Those entrusted with visiting the homebound may also bring them Communion. Where they serve. The liturgies and visits covered by their authorization, including assigned homes or care facilities.
How this role begins and ends
The diocesan bishop authorizes this ministry under diocesan norms. In an unforeseen need, the celebrating priest may designate a suitable person for that Mass alone. Authorization can expire, be relinquished or be withdrawn by the competent authority.
Parents and godparents
Baptismal font and home
Parents teach the faith at home through prayer, example and daily choices. Godparents help the baptized person grow in the faith. Where they serve. Their responsibility follows the child or godchild, wherever that person lives.
How this role begins and ends
Parents have this responsibility through parenthood. For Baptism, the person being baptized or the parents normally choose an eligible godparent, and the Church verifies eligibility. The baptismal register records who served at the celebration. A godparent does not serve an elected term.
Catechists and initiation sponsors
Classroom
Catechists teach children, teens and adults and help them prepare for the sacraments. Sponsors accompany people preparing to enter the Church. Where they serve. Their assigned parish, formation program, class or individual candidate.
How this role begins and ends
The parish chooses and prepares catechists under the pastor’s direction. Their teaching assignment can end when they step down or the parish ends it. Initiation sponsors are chosen to accompany a particular candidate under the parish’s process. If needed, another eligible sponsor can be chosen before the rite.
Outreach and bereavement volunteers
Parish outreach and home visits
Some bring meals to grieving families, visit lonely parishioners or stock the parish food pantry. Where they serve. The people and neighborhoods served by the parish outreach program.
How this role begins and ends
Parishioners volunteer or are invited by the ministry leader. The parish approves assignments under its local policies. Volunteers may step down or the parish may end an assignment.
Pastoral council members
Meeting room
They listen to parishioners and advise the pastor on pastoral needs, such as better support for young families or homebound members. Where they serve. The parish whose pastor the council advises.
How this role begins and ends
Diocesan norms and local council statutes determine how members are selected. A parish may use nominations, election or appointment. Terms, resignations, vacancies and removal follow those same rules.
Finance council members
Meeting room
They help the pastor care for parish resources by reviewing finances and advising on budgets and major expenses. Where they serve. The parish whose finances the council helps the pastor oversee.
How this role begins and ends
Members are selected under diocesan norms, often by pastoral appointment for their financial experience. Terms, resignation and removal follow the applicable diocesan and parish rules.
