Expert: Fr. Michael - 9/15/2004

Question
Father,

I'm having trouble understanding the hierarchy of the Catholic Church. The way I understand is that the College of Cardinals is directly under the Pope, then the Roman Curia. Is the Roman Curia part of the College of Cardinals? And if so, does the Secratariat of State to the Pope and its subsequent divisions also contain members from the College? This question came to mind when in my research I found that an Archbishop headed the First Section for General Affairs, and the Congregation on the Doctrine of Faith was a Cardinal. I don't understand how a Cardinal answers to an Archbishop. Aren't their hierarchal roles reversed in this case?

Confusing to me, perhaps you may know. I appreciate your time and attention.

Thanks,
jeff


Answer
You're mixing apples and oranges.  It isn't a matter of "hierarchy," but of function when it comes to the administrative apparatus.  An analogy would be a commission of the U.S. government on which the President sits, but of which the Vice President is the chairman.