vicar of the apostolic see
Quick Summary
A vicar apostolic is a Roman Catholic titular bishop who administers a territory not yet organized as a diocese. The term "vicar" itself comes from the Latin vicarius, meaning "substitute".12
Historically, the title has evolved. In the early church, a vicar or legate represented the pope at councils. By the 13th century, a vicar could be an emissary sent from Rome to govern a diocese facing difficulties or lacking a bishop. In modern times, vicars apostolic are typically titular bishops appointed to oversee territories that have not yet been formally established as dioceses.2
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