What is a Vicar-General in the Catholic Church?

A vicar-general is a high-ranking cleric in the Roman Catholic Church who serves as the deputy of a bishop or archbishop. The vicar-general is responsible for assisting the bishop or archbishop in the governance of the diocese, and is often tasked with overseeing various aspects of the diocese's administration, such as finances, liturgy, and education.

In some cases, the vicar-general may be appointed to serve as the apostolic administrator of a diocese, which means that he has the same authority as the bishop but is not a permanent appointment. The vicar-general is typically chosen by the bishop or archbishop and is usually a priest who has served in a leadership role within the diocese.

The position of vicar-general is an important one in the Catholic Church, as it allows the bishop or archbishop to focus on pastoral matters while knowing that the day-to-day operations of the diocese are being managed effectively. The vicar-general is also responsible for ensuring that the teachings and policies of the Church are upheld within the diocese.