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. ... A bishop who moves to the level of cardinal isn't ordained, but handpicked by the pope, who also appoints bishops.

What is the hierarchy of the Catholic Church?

Pope, bishop, cardinal, priest. There are so many names thrown around when talking about the Catholic Church it is easy to get confused about who belongs where. There are six main levels of the clergy and individuals work their way up the order, however very few will ever reach the top of the hierarchy.

What is the difference between a bishop archbishop and cardinal?

Cardinal: Appointed by the pope, 178 cardinals worldwide, including 13 in the U.S., make up the College of Cardinals. As a body, it advises the pope and, on his death, elects a new pope. Archbishop: An archbishop is a bishop of a main or metropolitan diocese, also called an archdiocese.