The evolution of the position of cardinal and its duties is reflected in its two possible word roots:  On one hand, scholars think the title is derived from the Latin word cardo, meaning hinge, thereby referring to an individual entrusted … Continued

The term Holy See comes from the Latin Sancta Sedes, meaning “Holy Chair,” and originates from the enthronement ceremony of the Bishop of Rome, the Pope.  Strictly speaking, the cathedra, i.e. the chair or throne, represents the position and authority … Continued

The English word church (or the Scottish kirk or the German kirche) is derived from the late Greek kyriakon which meant “the Lord’s house.”  This word is in turn derived from an  earlier version of the Greek used for Sacred … Continued

Granted, most Catholics have grown-up in parishes where the terms pastor referred to the priest primarily responsible for the parish, and assistant pastor or associate pastor referred to his assistants.  Sometimes the term curate was even used for the assistant … Continued

In the Nicene Creed, we profess, “We believe in one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church”:  these are the four marks of the Church.  They are inseparable and intrinsically linked to each other.  Our Lord Himself in founding the Church marked … Continued

The Second Vatican Council’s Decree on the Catholic Eastern Churches emphasized, “The Catholic Church values highly the institutions of the Eastern Churches, their liturgical rites, Ecclesiastical traditions and their ordering of Christian life.  For in those churches, which are distinguished … Continued

Before addressing the terms themselves, we must remember that the Magisterium, the teaching authority of our Church, has the duty to “preserve God’s people from deviations and defections, and to guarantee them the objective possibility of professing the true faith … Continued

A proper etiquette does exist for how we address our Church leaders.  As a point of courtesy, all Catholics should be familiar with these forms of address.  Even though we may live in an increasingly informal world, such good formalities … Continued

The procedure for electing the Pope has evolved over the history of the Church.  In the early centuries, the clergy and people of Rome elected the successor, who usually had worked very closely with the previous Pope.  In 1059, Pope … Continued

In Acts of the Apostles (6:1-6), the apostles established the Order of Deacons: “In those days, as the number of disciples grew, the ones who spoke Greek complained that their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food, … Continued

Our Lord entrusted His authority to His apostles.  At the Ascension, He said to them, “Full authority has been given to me both in Heaven and on earth; go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations.  Baptize them in … Continued

Our Lord established for His Church a structure of leadership based on the apostles, which is known as the hierarchy.  As with any organization, each leader in the Church has a particular area of responsibility and jurisdiction.  While this answer … Continued

In Catholic tradition, the foundation for the office of the Pope is rooted primarily in Matthew 16:13-20.  Here Jesus asked the question, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”  The apostles responded, “Some say John the Baptizer, … Continued

The Holy Father may retire if he chooses.  The Code of Canon Law states, “If it should happen that the Roman Pontiff resigns his office, it is required for validity that he makes the resignation freely and that it be … Continued

The Catechism of the Catholic Church asserts, “Behind the disobedient voice of our first parents lurks a seductive voice, opposed to God, which makes them fall into death out of envy.  Scripture and the Church’s Tradition see in this being … Continued