What is the Catholic hiarchy?

Answer 1

In terms of ordination it goes like this: Deacon, Priest, Bishop

Contrary to popular belief, Cardinals and the Pope are still bishops. There is no additional level of ordination.

A deacon assists the priest in mass and usually does not perform sacraments other than baptism and marriage. A deacon can be a married man, but cannot remarry after becoming a deacon.

A priest can administer most sacraments. They can only do the sacrament of Confirmation by special approval from the Bishop, and they cannot ordain anyone. Most priests are assigned a parish, which includes a church and the surrounding area. A priest is usually celibate in Western culture, but is usually married in some Eastern cultures.

A bishop can administer all sacraments. A bishop is in charge of a diocese, which includes a collection of parishes. A bishop is always celibate. With rare exception is there a married bishop.

The Pope is still a bishop but is granted power and authority over all the bishops and priests. Essentially the Pope is in charge of the entire Church.

A Cardinal is a type of bishop who has been granted the authority to vote in the election of a new Pope when needed.

An Archbishop is just a Bishop in charge of an Archdiocese. An archdiocese is a diocese that is deemed particularly large or important. An archbishop has no authority over other bishops. He is still just a bishop.

For more information:

see below

Answer 2

It is the governing structure of the Church and includes the priests, bishops, archbishops, cardinals, primates, patriarchs, and pope.