What is a bishop in the Catholic Church?

One form for the coat of arms of a Latin Catholic bishop. A "diocesan bishop" is entrusted with the care of a local Church (diocese). He is responsible for teaching, governing, and sanctifying the faithful of his diocese, sharing these duties with the priests and deacons who serve under him. read more

In the Catholic Church, a bishop is an ordained minister who holds the fullness of the sacrament of holy orders and is responsible for teaching doctrine, governing Catholics in his jurisdiction, sanctifying the world and representing the Church. read more

The Bishops of the Church are given to us by Christ to act as our shepherds. Bishops are in charge of a "Diocese" which is (usually) a geographical area made of local communities (parishes) of the faithful. read more

In the Catholic Church, archbishops and bishops rank below cardinals. Becoming a bishop is the third and fullest level of the Sacrament of Holy Orders. The first level is the ordination of a deacon, the second is the ordination of a priest, and the third is the ordination of a bishop. read more