Bispos

Bispos are high-ranking clergy in many Christian churches who exercise pastoral and sacramental oversight over a diocese or equivalent territorial unit. The term derives from the Greek episkopos, “overseer.”

In most traditions, bishops are considered successors of the apostles and hold the episcopal office, which includes teaching, governing, and sanctifying the church within their jurisdiction. They ordain priests and deacons, preside at important liturgical rites such as ordinations and confirmations where applicable, oversee clergy and church institutions, and represent the diocese in relations with other churches and civil authorities. episcopal succession, the laying on of hands by other bishops, is a central feature in Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican churches.

Within the hierarchy, archbishops lead archdioceses and may have metropolitan authority over a group of dioceses; archbishops and bishops may be addressed with formal titles, and in some traditions bishops can hold rank within the cardinalate. In Catholicism, the governance and duties of bishops are complemented by canon law and, in many regions, by national episcopal conferences. In various Protestant and Anglican communities, bishops have a similar role of oversight, though structures and theological emphases can differ. In some denominations, including certain Anglican and Protestant bodies, women may be ordained as bishops.

The word “bispos” is the Spanish and Portuguese plural for bishop; the office exists in many Western Christian churches and shares a common historical lineage, while practices and qualifications vary by tradition.