Bishops in the Catholic Church

In the Catholic Church, a bishop is an ordainedminister who holds the fullness of the sacrament of holy orders and is responsible for teaching doctrine, governing Catholics in his jurisdiction, sanctifying the world and representing the church. Catholics trace the origins of the office of bishop to the apostles, who it is believed were endowed with a special charism and office by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Catholics believe this special charism and office has been transmitted through an unbroken succession of bishops by the laying on of hands in the sacrament of holy orders. Bishops are members of a singular church-wide episcopal body by virtue of both their sacramental consecration and their remaining in hierarchical communion with the Pope and other bishops.

The Second Vatican Council's Decree concerning the Pastoral Office of Bishops in the Church, promulgated on 28 October 1965, was devoted to outlining the Church's teaching on Bishops and their pastoral role.