The cardinals, archbishops, and bishops
have the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th highest positions in the clergy.
Cardinals
- The cardinals appoint new Popes
- They were originally the Pope's helpers.
- Cardinals can only vote for a new Pope if they are under 80 years
old.
- In the Middle Ages the Cardinals had little power outside of Italy,
but today Pope John Paul II is changing that by expanding their international
representation.
- The Cardinals rule over groups of archdioceses.
Bishops
- Bishops are members of the clergy who rule over groups of churches
called dioceses.
- The Bishops powers are dedication of churches, consecration of altars,
blessing abbots, and more.
Archbishops
- Archbishops are more powerful than bishops, and rule over groups
of dioceses, called archdioceses.
- Can make Church laws.
- In Medieval Europe, they were very powerful, and could summon Kings
to them, but today they only control the Church.
