Episcopal Vicar
An episcopal vicar is a priest or auxiliary bishop given ordinary executive power over a defined territory, type of affair, rite, or group of faithful within a diocese.
Nature of the office
The office permits the diocesan bishop to distribute governance while preserving unity. Unlike the vicar general’s ordinarily diocese-wide competence, an episcopal vicar’s competence is limited by the sphere specified in the decree of appointment.[1]
Canonical place
The qualifications and core powers resemble those of a vicar general. The diocesan bishop freely appoints an episcopal vicar, ordinarily for a fixed time, and must coordinate the office with his own action and with other vicars.
References
- Back to citation Code of Canon Law, canons 476–481 — Universal or special law governing the office and its competence.