vicar apostolic

noun

, plural vicars apostolic.

1. Roman Catholic Church. a titular bishop serving either in a district where no episcopal see has been established, or in one where the succession of bishops has been interrupted.
2. Ecclesiastical History. an archbishop, bishop, or other ecclesiastic to whom the pope delegated a portion of his jurisdiction.

vicar apostolic

noun

1. RC Church a titular bishop having jurisdiction in non-Catholic or missionary countries where the normal hierarchy has not yet been established

Word History and Origins

Origin of vicar apostolic¹

First recorded in 1760–70

Example Sentences

He returned to Rome, and seems to have been instrumental in inducing Pope Gregory XVI. to increase the vicars apostolic in England.

From Project Gutenberg

The views of our vicar apostolic on the subject, as explained in his written instructions, being conformable with our wish, we did not hesitate. 

From Project Gutenberg

There are now three bishops, vicars apostolic, at Cape Town, Graham's Town, Natal.

From Project Gutenberg

Why was it more of a usurpation for the pope to make a new Archbishop of Westminster, than to administer London by the old form of vicars apostolic?

From Project Gutenberg

Nobody cares very much, however, except a vicar apostolic, who urgently requests forty or fifty marines or sailors "to protect our persons and our chattels."

From Project Gutenberg