catholics

Anyone whos catholic and knows what they are talking about please answer my questions as they are really upsetting me.
1.I spoke to a catholic girl today and she told me she wasnt a christian but a catholic, a christian is someone who believes in christ.Do all catholics feel this way or was she just really stupid?
2.What is the pontiff's job?Does it exist or is it a figurehead like the english monarchy?
3.Catholics seem idolotary, they worship saints and pray to mary,if this isnt considered idolotary what is?