The Pope and the bishops direct Christ’s work in the Catholic Church, in every rite and diocese.

The Pope is chief representative of Christ in the Church; he is its principal symbol of unity.

The Pope is chief representative of Christ in the Church; he is its principal symbol of unity. He enjoys the primacy of jurisdiction over the Church and is the head of the College of Bishops. He is the chief teacher and ruler over the Church.

The bishops are visible signs of Christ and the symbols of unity in their respective dioceses. Each diocesan bishop, or ordinary, is the principal teacher, priest, and shepherd of the Church in his diocese. Collectively, all the bishops, with the Pope as their head, are the teachers of the faith for the whole Church. They are responsible for its well-being throughout the world.