vicar general

A vicar general is an ecclesiastical official who acts as a deputy to a bishop or the head of a religious order. This title, originating from the Latin word vicarius meaning "substitute," signifies an individual acting in a special capacity for a superior.1

In the Roman Catholic Church, the vicar general is typically the highest administrative officer of a diocese, holding most of the bishop's powers. The pope, for instance, governs his own diocese of Rome through a cardinal vicar and a special vicar general for Vatican City. This role is crucial for the day-to-day administration and governance within a diocese or religious order, ensuring that the bishop's authority is effectively delegated and managed.12