An auxiliary bishop is a bishop assigned by the Holy See to assist a resident bishop or archbishop in the pastoral care and administration of a diocese.
Auxiliary bishops help administer the sacraments, especially confirmation, and often represent the resident bishop at various types of functions.
Although an auxiliary bishop has the fullness of holy orders, he does not have the same degree of jurisdiction or governing power as the resident bishop.
He does not have the automatic right of succession when the resident bishop dies, is transferred or retires.
In some dioceses, auxiliary bishops are given charge of either specific territories within the diocese or special areas of ministry, such as ministry to ethnic groups.
All auxiliary bishops are given what is called a “titular diocese.” This is a diocese that once existed but has since been suppressed by the Holy See. Thus, the auxiliary is bishop of a diocese in title only. The reason for this is that historically a bishop is supposed to be the head of a diocese.
Like all bishops, auxiliaries are required to submit their resignation to the pope when they turn 75.
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