Catholic Dictionary
Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.
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CONGREGATION FOR BISHOPS
Established in 1588 as the Sacred Consistorial Congregation by Pope Sixtus V. Its name was changed in 1967 by Pope Paul VI, and its authority clarified. In countries not subject to the Congregations for Oriental Churches or the Evangelization of Peoples, the Congregation for Bishops may erect, divide, and unite dioceses, provinces, and other ecclesiastical territories. It prepares the documentation for the choice of bishops, apostolic administrators, and prelates with person al jurisdiction. It is kept informed about and watches over whatever concerns the persons and offices of bishops and the state of their dioceses. It examines the quinquennial reports and episcopal conferences and, in general, oversees the needs of the Church as these are to be met by the local ordinaries and their auxiliaries.
