vicarsgeneral

A vicar general is a senior ecclesiastical official in certain Christian denominations, particularly within the Roman Catholic Church and some Anglican provinces. This role is analogous to a chief executive officer or a deputy in a secular organization, assisting the diocesan bishop in the administration of the diocese. The vicar general typically holds episcopal rank, often as a titular bishop, but this is not always a requirement. The primary function of a vicar general is to help the bishop govern the diocese.

The vicar general exercises ordinary vicarious power, meaning they have the bishop's authority delegated to them to act in his stead in administrative matters. This authority is broad, covering areas such as managing diocesan finances, overseeing personnel, and ensuring the smooth functioning of various diocesan departments. However, certain significant decisions, such as those concerning the faith or major legal matters, are usually reserved for the bishop himself.

The appointment of a vicar general is made by the diocesan bishop and is usually for a renewable term. While the bishop can remove a vicar general at any time, the vicar general's authority ceases if the see becomes vacant or if the bishop revokes their mandate. In essence, the vicar general is the bishop's principal coadjutor in the day-to-day governance of the diocese, ensuring continuity and efficient administration.