(Anglo-Saxon Biscop, Busceop, German Bischof; from the Greek
episkopos, an overseer, through Latin episcopus; Italian
vescovo; Old French vesque; French évêque). 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. (Council of Trent, Sess. XXIII, ch. iv; can. vi, vii.
See APOSTOLIC COLLEGE.) The episcopate is monarchical. By the
Will of Christ, the supreme authority in a diocese does not
belong to a college of priests or of bishops, but it resides in
the single personality of the chief. The subject will be treated
under five heads: The historical or