Is a sponsor the same as a godparent?

No, sponsors are not the same as godparents. However, according to the Code of Canon Law, the Church believes it’s desirable that the sponsor would be one of the person’s godparents but it’s not a requirement (893).

For infant baptisms, the godparents are selected by the parents. They represent the entire Christian community and are expected to help raise the child in the faith. Godparents for adult baptisms are expected to help prepare the person for baptism.

For those who have already been baptized but are preparing to become full members of the Christian community through the Sacrament of Confirmation, a sponsor is selected to both help them prepare and help them continue on their journey of faith after their Confirmation. As mentioned, Canon Law says it’s desirable that one of the candidate’s godparents fulfill this role but it’s not required.

For those preparing to receive all of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist) through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), it’s preferable to select the same person as godparent and sponsor.