Cardinal Vicar (Italian: Cardinale Vicario) is a title commonly given to the vicar general of the diocese of Rome for the portion of the diocese within Italy. The official title, as given in the Annuario Pontificio (under the heading "Vicariate of Rome"), is "Vicar General of His Holiness". The Bishop of Rome appoints the Cardinal Vicar with ordinary power to help with the spiritual administration of his diocese. Although canon law requires all Catholic dioceses to have one or more vicars general, the Cardinal Vicar functions more so than the others as a de facto diocesan bishop due to the Pope's many other responsibilities. There is a similar position dealing with the spiritual needs of the Vatican City called the Vicar General for the Vatican City State, or more exactly, Vicar General of His Holiness for Vatican City. He too is a cardinal.
Read more about Cardinal Vicar: Establishment, Authority, The Vicegerens, 1912 Reorganization, Incumbents, Sources
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