Catholic Church hierarchy

The Catholic Church hierarchy is structured as follows: at the top is the Pope, the Bishop of Rome, who leads the global Church. Below the Pope are cardinals, senior bishops who advise him and oversee major regions or archdioceses. Next are bishops, who manage dioceses (local communities) and oversee priests. Priests serve individual parishes, providing pastoral care and administering sacraments. Deacons assist priests and may perform certain sacramental duties. This hierarchical structure helps maintain order, governance, and the teaching of faith within the Church.