Bishop
A bishop is a successor of the Apostles, ordained to the fullest degree of Holy Orders and entrusted with teaching, sanctifying, and governing a diocese in communion with the Pope. Many bishops throughout history have been recognized as saints for their holiness in shepherding their communities.
Ordination and Authority
A man becomes a bishop through episcopal ordination, the fullest degree of the sacrament of Holy Orders, which the Catholic Church holds to be passed down in an unbroken line from the Apostles. A bishop typically governs a diocese, appoints and oversees priests, administers Confirmation, and represents his local Church in union with the Pope and the wider college of bishops.
Bishop-Saints Across History
Many of the Church's most influential saints served as bishops, from early defenders of orthodox doctrine like Athanasius and Basil the Great to reformers and Doctors of the Church like Ambrose and Augustine. Their example shaped how the office is understood: not primarily as an honor, but as a call to teach, sanctify, and shepherd.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a bishop, an archbishop, and a cardinal?
An archbishop leads a larger or historically significant diocese but holds the same sacramental rank as any bishop. A cardinal is a bishop (or occasionally a priest) appointed by the Pope to a special advisory role, including electing future popes, but cardinal is a title, not a separate sacramental order.
Do all bishops report to the Pope?
Yes. Every Catholic bishop governs his own diocese but remains in hierarchical communion with the Pope, who holds supreme authority over the universal Church.