In theory, the pope is an absolute monarch who governs the Church, but in practice he is assisted by various “ministries” which together form the Roman Curia. The Secretariat of State handles internal (ecclesiastical) affairs and external relations. The dicasteries are responsible for such matters as canonisations and beatifications, education, bishops, family, laity…
One of the three Tribunals is the Roman Rota, the Church’s central court of law. The Secretariat for the Economy manages the economic activities of the Holy See and Vatican City State. The ultimate aim of all these organisations is to help the Church to explain and proclaim the Gospel and to assist the believers.
