Question

Of the following positions, who ranked highest in the hierarchy of the medieval church?

A. bishop
B. cardinal
C. priest
D. merchant

Answer 1

Out of those, the cardinals were the highest, just under the pope and above archbishops.

Answer 2

The correct answer is: cardinal.

Cardinals are the second most powerful figures of the Catholic Chuch after its main leader, the Pope. Actually, the Pope is the only one qualified to appoint them. In order to become cardinal, it is mandatory that a man has been ordained bishop before.

The duties of cardinals consist on attending the meetings, and be available to the Pope if requested. Moreover, many lead a diocese or a deparment of the Curia in Rome.