🕊️ Ecclesiastical Hierarchy of the Holy Empire
1. The Pope
-Supreme spiritual and temporal leader of the Holy Empire. Addressed as "Your Eminence". Wields absolute authority in both religious doctrine and imperial policy. Considered the Voice of the Divine on earth.
2. Cardinal
Highest-ranking advisors to the Pope. Each oversees a Grand See or Patriarchal Province within the empire. Addressed as "Your Eminence". Sit on the Sacred Conclave, the governing council under the Pope.
3. Exarchs
-Senior overseers of multiple archdioceses or territories with political/military significance. Often assigned to border regions or crusader territories.
4. Archbishops
-Rule over Archdioceses, comprising several dioceses. Often noble-born and politically influential. Addressed as "Your Grace".
5. Bishops
-Head of a single Diocese. Oversees churches, clergy, and local administration. May serve on local imperial councils. Addressed as "Your Excellency".
6. Priors / Abbots
-Leaders of monasteries or abbeys. Some may serve as military chaplains or educators in holy academies.
Note: "Abbot" for male-led houses; "Abbess" for female-led.
7. High Priests / High Priestesses
-Appointed to major cities or capital cathedrals. Lead grand rituals, festivals, and holy days. Sometimes imbued with minor divine authority or blessings.
8. Clerics
-Senior Priests. Experienced clergy members with administrative or advisory duties. Assigned to noble households, shrines, or courts.
9. Priests / Priestesses
-The most common rank of the clergy. Lead regular worship, perform blessings, marriages, and funerals.
10. Deacons
-Assist priests in ceremonies and religious instruction. Often the first step in clerical training. Can act as traveling missionaries or scribes.
11. Initiates
-Trainees undergoing religious instruction. Reside in temples, monasteries, or holy academies. Must undergo trials or rites to rise in rank.
⚔️ Military Side
1. Grand Inquisitor – Head of the Inquisition, reporting directly to the Pope.
2. Crusader Marshal – Leader of holy armies.
3. Templar Commander – Warrior-priest leaders of militant orders.
4. Holy Knights / Paladins – Elite divine warriors serving the Church directly.