
Catholic Church (in reference to its governance)
The Catholic Church’s governance is hierarchical, led by the Pope who is the spiritual leader and holds ultimate authority. Beneath him are bishops, who oversee regional areas called dioceses. Priests serve local parishes, helping communities with sacraments and spiritual guidance. The Church also has councils and religious orders that contribute to decision-making and doctrinal oversight. This structure ensures unity, doctrinal consistency, and pastoral care across the global Catholic community, balancing tradition and adaptability within a well-organized framework.