Clergy
"The world which today is entrusted to the loving ministry of the pastors of the Church is that which God so loved that he would give his only Son for it. Truly this world, indeed weighed down with many sins but also endowed with many talents, provides the Church with the living stones which are built up into the dwelling place of God in the Spirit. This same Holy Spirit, while impelling the Church to open new ways to go to the world of today, suggests and favors the growth of fitting adaptations in the ministry of priests. Priests should remember that in performing their office they are never alone, but strengthened by the power of Almighty God, and believing in Christ who called them to share in his Priesthood, they should devote themselves to their ministry with complete trust, knowing that God can cause charity to grow in them." Decree on the Ministry and Life of Priests, Presbyterorum Ordinis, Promulgated by His Holiness Pope Paul VI on December 7, 1965.
The Catholic clergy is organized as follows:
Pope: Head of the church, he is based at the Vatican. The Pope is addressed as "His Holiness" or "Your Holiness".
Cardinal: Appointed by the pope, cardinals worldwide make up the College of Cardinals. As a body, it advises the pope and, on his death, elects a new pope. The Cardinal is addressed as "His Emminence" or "Your Emminence".
Archbishop: An archbishop is a bishop of a main or metropolitan diocese, also called an archdiocese. A cardinal can concurrently hold the title. The Archbishop is addressed as "His Grace" or "Your Grace".
Bishop: A bishop, like a priest, is ordained to this station. He is a teacher of church doctrine, a priest of sacred worship, and a minister of church government. The Bishop is the head teacher; head liturgist and father of the poor. The Bishop is addressed as "His Excellency" or "Your Excellency".
Priest: The priest is an ordained minister who can administer most of the sacraments, including the Eucharist, baptism, and marriage. He can be with a particular religious order or committed to serving a congregation. The Priest is addressed as "Father".
Deacon: A transitional deacon is a seminarian studying for the priesthood. A permanent deacon can be married and assists a priest by administering some of the sacraments. The Deacon is addressed as "Reverend Mr."
NOTE: The title Monsignor is granted to priests as a reward for service to the church or as a sign of some special function they serve in church governance. It is usually on the proposal of the local bishop that the Pope grants to Catholic diocesan clergy this title. The grant is subject to the criteria of the Holy See, including a minimum age, which Pope Francis has raised to 65 years. The Holy See announced the changes in January of 2014 highlighting a renewed sense of simplicity and humility.