Church and Faith FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about the Catholic faith and the Church.

What is a Pope and what does he do?

The spiritual leader of the Catholic Church - the biggest Christian denomination, with a billion members worldwide.

What is a saint?

A ‘saint’ is someone who has been canonised - a holy man or woman who has died may be canonised if it is deemed they lived a life of heroic virtue.

What is an Archbishop and what is his role?

A bishop heads up a local 'diocese'. Dioceses with large or important cities may have an Archbishop and assistant bishops called auxiliaries.

What is a Cardinal and what is his role?

The Cardinals of the Catholic Church are the most senior clergymen (priests) in the Church below the Pope.

What is the Church's teaching about the environment?

The Catholic Church's teaching on the environment written in 2010.

What is a Catholic Mass?

Mass is the central act of worship in the life of a Catholic. Going to Mass is about spending time with God, but also receiving his graces.

What is the role of a priest?

A priest first of all is a baptised man who has heard God calling him to a particular role in the Church – that of ministerial priesthood.

What is an Apostolic Nunciature?

The Apostolic Nunciature is the Embassy of the Holy See in a particular country.

What is a Nuncio and what is his role?

An Apostolic Nuncio is the Pope's representative in a particular country and enables communication between the Holy See and the Government of that country.