The Hierarchy of the Catholic Church: Ranks, Roles, & More

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Catholic priest Fr. Scott Bailey explains the different levels in the Catholic Church

Co-authored by Fr. Scott Bailey and Samantha Fulton, BA

Last Updated: July 30, 2026 Fact Checked

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• Catholic Church Hierarchy
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• Origins
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• How Papal Elections Work
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• Video

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If you’re interested in learning about the intricate hierarchy of the Catholic Church, you’re in the right place. We’ve partnered with a Catholic priest for exclusive insights into the roles of the different ranks, as well as how people are selected for each rank. We’ll also cover the historical origin of the hierarchy and more, so keep reading!

Catholic Church Ranks (Chart)

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Catholic priest Fr. Scott Bailey says the Pope is at the top of the Catholic Church’s hierarchy as the chief shepherd of the Church. He is a key symbol of unity for Catholicism. The ranks below the Pope include:

• Cardinals: Serve as the Pope's chief advisors and collectively elect the new Pope during a conclave.
• Archbishops: Govern archdioceses and provide leadership and oversight to the other dioceses in that province.
• Bishops: Govern dioceses (an individual geographic district), overseen by the archbishop.
• Priests: Manage their local parish, or a community of churchgoers.
• Deacons: Perform service through the Gospel, acts of charity, and liturgy.
• The Laity: Non-ordained members of the Catholic Church.

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Section 1 of 3:

Understanding the Catholic Church Hierarchy

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   The Pope The Pope is a visible symbol of Catholicism, shares Fr. Bailey. “He is the chief shepherd of the Church, a final arbiter on matters of doctrine, and a symbol of unity to ensure that we continue to teach what the Church has always taught.” As head of the Catholic Church, the Pope appoints other clergy members, such as cardinals and bishops. He’s also in charge of managing the Roman Curia, the administrative and governing body of the Catholic Church.

   • How does someone become the Pope? The Pope is elected by the College of Cardinals in a meeting called a conclave in Vatican City. Keep reading for more information on the conclave and papal elections!

   Meet the wikiHow Expert

   Fr. Scott Bailey is a Catholic priest based in Denver, CO. He shares teachings and insights on his popular YouTube channel Risen Christ, and he’s known for his short, meaningful sermons.
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   Cardinals “The primary role of cardinals is to vote for the next pope in a conclave,” says Fr. Bailey. “There are a couple of hundred cardinals around the world right now.” Cardinals also serve as the Pope’s advisors and administrators. They may be bishop or archbishop of a major diocese or run Vatican departments, as well.

   • How does someone become a cardinal? Popes create new cardinals at irregular intervals during meetings called consistories. The role is a direct appointment.
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   Archbishops An archbishop is a bishop holding a higher rank due to his leadership of an archdiocese, which may be larger than surrounding dioceses. Archbishops are in charge of supporting nearby dioceses and guiding other bishops in his ecclesiastical province. They can also ordain men to Holy Orders and act as the minister for the sacrament of confirmation.

   • How does someone become an archbishop? Archbishops are chosen by the Pope himself. When an archbishop submits his resignation, the Pope chooses a successor from a list of candidates that has been investigated by the Congregation of the Bishops in the Roman Curia.
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   Bishops A bishop is the superintendent for the church in an assigned geographical area. Bishops are responsible for teaching, governing, and sanctifying. They give oversight for the worldly and spiritual interests of their church. They also ensure that the rules and regulations from the General Conference are carried out.

   • How does someone become a bishop? Fr. Bailey says bishops are selected from priests and chosen by the Vatican, who gather input from the bishops of the region. “Once they gather all that information, a special Vatican office creates a shortlist of candidates—that list goes to the Pope, and he makes the final decision,” he adds.
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   Priests Priests perform sacred rituals and serve as mediators between the laity and God. They teach the Catholic faith, administer sacraments like baptism, marriage, and confession, and govern their local parish community. Fr. Bailey adds that priests must also make vows of obedience, celibacy, and prayer for the Church.

   • How does someone become a priest? According to Fr. Bailey, Catholic priests must be men who are practicing Catholics with a calling from the Lord. He says to become a priest, you must study philosophy and theology and do a year of discernment called the “propaedeutic year.” In total, it takes six to seven years to be ordained a priest.
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   Deacons Deacons are responsible for three main areas of service: ministry of the word, ministry of the liturgy, and ministry of charity. They proclaim the Gospel at Sunday Masses and can baptize, witness marriages, and preside at funeral services. Deacons are also obligated to bring charity to the world through acts of service like taking part in prison ministry or visiting the sick in hospitals.

   • How does someone become a deacon? Similar to a priest, you must undergo a multi-year process to become a deacon. Fr. Bailey mentions partaking in theological and philosophical study, as well as a thorough interview process and psychological evaluation. “Six months before ordination to the priesthood, the seminarian is ordained a deacon,” he adds.
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   Laity The laity includes any non-ordained members of the Catholic Church. They may work within society to spread the word of God and participate in movements or associations to pursue various elements of the Church’s mission. There are also lay ecclesial ministers, who cooperate with their pastors to help serve their ecclesial community.

   • How does someone become Catholic? Fr. Bailey advises contacting your local Catholic church to talk to a priest about your desire to convert. Then, you’ll participate in the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults, which resolves hesitations or concerns by covering scripture and core teachings. It can take anywhere from 8 months to a year, notes Fr. Bailey.
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Section 2 of 3:

Origin of the Catholic Church Hierarchy

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   Catholics believe the Pope is the direct successor to St. Peter, the Apostle. Peter has long been recognized in the Catholic Church as the first-ever pope, having been appointed by Christ himself. Apparently, Peter traveled to Rome after the resurrection of Jesus and became the local Christian community’s first bishop.
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   Early Christians saw Jesus’s words to Peter as evidence of a special mission. Jesus said to Peter, “You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” (Mt. 16:18-19).

   • Early Christians and the popes later on viewed this as Christ giving Peter a role of leadership.
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   The Catholic Church eventually gave Peter’s successors the same significance. Catholics believe that Jesus knew the role of pope would be necessary through the ages and that Jesus wished for Peter to be succeeded by others who would share his work.

   • For instance, in the fifth century, bishops at the Council of Chalcedon declared that Peter had spoken through the pope, Leo I. This led to the belief that all popes are connected to St. Peter.
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Section 3 of 3:

The Conclave: How the Pope Gets Elected

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   Cardinals gather in a conclave to elect the Pope. “The College of Cardinals gathers in the Sistine Chapel for a secret ballot,” explains Fr. Bailey. “They vote until a candidate receives at least two-thirds of the votes.” There are no cameras or external individuals allowed into the chapel when the conclave takes place.
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   The conclave weighs the needs of Catholics around the globe. According to Fr. Bailey, “The process starts with several days of meetings about the state of the Church and its needs worldwide.” After these discussions, the cardinals begin voting.
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   Any baptized, unmarried male Catholic can be pope. Fr. Bailey adds that typically, this is someone from among the 200-300 cardinals present in the conclave, although it is not mandatory to be a cardinal before becoming the Pope. “Each cardinal receives a piece of paper and writes down who they believe should be the next Pope,” adds Fr. Bailey.
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