A considerable revision of that schema was undertaken under the direction of Pope Paul VI . In 1972 tonsure, minor orders, and subdiaconate were abolished, and a rite of admission to candidacy to the diaconate and priesthood took their place. For various Protestant clerical systems, see ministry . Traditionally in the West, the episcopacy has the plenitude of priestly power. Archbishops, patriarchs, and the pope are bishops.
Bishops alone have the power to ordain to major orders.
In the Roman Catholic Church the ordination to the priesthood is considered a sacrament , conferring on the recipient the power to celebrate the eucharist and marking him with an indelible character. Like the sacraments of baptism and confirmation , ordination is never repeated. The main administrative life of the Roman Catholic Church is conducted by bishops and their priests called secular clergy.