In the vast majority of religious doctrines, there is an organizational model with a hierarchical structure. This scheme is especially applicable to monotheistic religions, as in all of them there is an all-powerful god, an organized clergy, and a group of believers. Archbishop
Focusing on the Catholic Church, the highest religious authority is the Pope or Supreme Pontiff. Below him are a series of important offices: cardinals, archbishops, bishops, priests and deacons.
The figure of the archbishop in Catholicism
This term comes from the Greek, more specifically from the word archiepiskopos (the prefix arche means first and episkopos means what oversees). Therefore, this church member has the role of exercising leadership among the faithful.
The bishop and the archbishop are similar positions, but with some differentiating aspect.
While the bishop is the main person in charge of a diocese or ecclesiastical jurisdiction, the archbishop is the one who exercises this same function in a diocese of greater importance or by exercising his functions in a larger territory (for this reason his diocese is an archdiocese, of the which becomes the capital of an ecclesiastical province).
When a bishop is appointed archbishop, he receives an honorary title, that is, a distinction. Above this hierarchical level are the cardinals, who have the following functions: participating in the choice of a new pope, collaborating in the government of the church and advising the Supreme Pontiff throughout his term.
From Catholic doctrine , in matters of faith, both the bishop and the archbishop have the assistance of the Holy Spirit. This comes from a theological and at the same time historical reality : the apostles who followed Jesus Christ received the charism of truth. It can be said that the Catholic clergy exercise the same functions as the apostles at the time of Jesus Christ. Archbishop
Specific functions of bishops and archbishops
In addition to doctrinal issues, both positions perform specific functions:
1) explain and teach the most relevant aspects of the Catholic faith to the faithful;
2) supervise the action of parish priests;
3) oversee teaching in seminars and in various educational organizations ;
4) carry out a follow-up of the scriptures published in their jurisdiction;
5) exercise the highest authority in a diocese or archdiocese. Archbishop
All this must be accompanied by exemplary behavior based on charity, humility and holiness.
