What is an Archbishop and what is his role?
The Catholic Church is made up of dioceses, or geographical areas, each of which is headed by a bishop, who is the leader of that local Church. The bishop of the more important cities, or of historically important places, is given the title of Archbishop, to show a level of seniority or honour. Jesus Christ himself appointed twelve apostles who were given the task of continuing his mission on earth; to tell everyone what he told them. He commissioned them to teach, to help others come to know God, and to receive his grace, (which is a special type of inner strength form God) through being baptised. He instructed them to lead the people, telling them that he would be with them by his Spirit at all times (Mt 28.16-20). The twelve apostles continued this mission, and others were added to their number. Chief among the apostles were St Peter, whom Jesus had called the ‘rock on which he would build the Church’ (Mt 16.18), and St Paul, a late convert who claimed the title of ‘apostle’, and wa
