Opus Dei is a personal prelature, worldwide in scope, consisting of a prelate, his clergy, and lay faithful (men and women). Prior to being ordained, the priests belonged to the Prelature as lay members. Priests and lay faithful work together to spread the ideals of holiness in the world and the sanctification of work. Opus Dei’s central organisation is based in Rome and is headed by a Prelate, nominated by the Pope. The current Prelate is Msgr Fernando Ocáriz, who was appointed in 2017.