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The title of an ecclesiastical dignitary
who possesses the fullness of the priesthood to rule a diocese as its
chief pastor, in due submission to the primacy of the Pope. It is of
Catholic faith that bishops are of Divine institution. In the
hierarchy of order, they possess powers superior to those of priests
and deacons; in the hierarchy of jurisdiction, by Christ's will, the
are appointed for the government of one portion of the faithful of the
Church, under the direction and authority of the sovereign Pontiff,
who can determine and restrain their powers, but, not annihilate them.
They are the successors of the Apostles, though they do not possess
all the prerogatives of the latter. The episcopate is
monarchical. |
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