Concept in Definition ABC

In the vast majority of religious doctrines there is an organizational model with a hierarchical structure. East scheme It is especially applicable to monotheistic religions, since in all of them there is an almighty god, an organized clergy and a group of faithful.

If we focus on the Catholic Church, the maxim authority religious is the Pope or Supreme Pontiff. Below him are a number of important positions: cardinals, archbishops, bishops, priests and deacons.

The figure of the archbishop in Catholicism

This term comes from the Greek, specifically from the word archiepiskopos (the prefix arche means first and episkopos means the one who supervises). Therefore, this member of the church has the function of exercising the leadership among the faithful.

Bishop and archbishop are similar ranks, but with some differentiating nuance

While the bishop is the head of a diocese or ecclesiastical jurisdiction, the archbishop is who exercises this same function in a diocese of greater relevance or because he exercises his functions in a

territory major (for this reason his diocese is an archdiocese, 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: participate in the election of a new pope, collaborate in the government of the church and advise the Supreme Pontiff throughout his mandate.

From Catholic doctrine, in matters of faith, a bishop or an archbishop has 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 affirmed that the Catholic clergy performed the same functions as the apostles in the time of Jesus Christ.

Specific functions of bishops and archbishops

To the margin of doctrinal issues, both positions carry out specific functions:

1) explain and teach the faithful the most relevant aspects of the Catholic faith,

2) they supervise the action of the parish priests,

3) supervise the teachings in the seminars and in the different organizations educational,

4) keep track of the writings that are published in their jurisdiction and

5) exercise the highest authority in a diocese or archdiocese.

All this must be accompanied by exemplary behavior based on charity, modesty and holiness.

Fotolia photos: mushegovdima / rudall30

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