Hierarchy of the Church

- Pope head of church, people saw them as God's representative on earth, write letters called bull to explain teaching of church, power to decide when someone acting against the church

- Cardinal is title given to senior bishops outside Italy, in event a pope died, administer the Church until new pope elected

- Bishops play leading roles managing government, high Middle Ages mandatory for King to have bishop on estate to help manage day to day affairs, wealthy and usually come from noble family, ruled over groups called dioceses

- Priests perform mass in perishes, exempt from paying taxes due to being considered noble, offer spiritual guidance and take away sins from perishes

- Deacons ministers who have devoted some service in any way to the Church

- Laity those not apart of the Church