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A coadjutor bishop (or bishop coadjutor) ("co-assister" in Latin) is a bishop in the Latin Catholic, Anglican and (historically) Eastern Orthodox churches whose main role is to assist the diocesan bishop in administering the diocese.[1][2]

The coadjutor automatically succeeds the diocesan bishop when he retires, dies or leaves office for another reason. In the Latin Catholic Church, the coadjutor is a bishop appointed by the pope in Rome. He is considered the principal deputy administrator of the diocese.

In the Eastern Catholic churches, the adjutor may be appointed by the pope or by the church itself. Within the Anglican Communion, a diocesan committee appoints the coadjutor, who can be male or female.

Latin Church

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Main article: Bishops in the Catholic Church

Role of coadjutor

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In the Latin Church, the pope may appoint a bishop as coadjutor to help the diocesan bishop govern the diocese. Being himself a bishop, the coadjutor can substitute for the diocesan bishop in his absence (Canon 403§3).[3]

Under canon law, the coadjutor must serve as the vicar general, the principal deputy administrator of the diocese. The diocesan bishop must "entrust to him [coadjutor] before others" in acts that require a special mandate (Canon 406§1) If the episcopal see is an archdiocese, the coadjutor is appointed as an archbishop.[4][5]

In modern church practice, the pope can appoint a coadjutor to assist a bishop who needs help due to declining health. The coadjutor can also assist a bishop nearing retirement. The objective is to have continuity of leadership in the diocese and avoid an unexpected vacancy in the position of bishop.[5]

Pope Benedict XVI named Bishop Dennis Schnurr as coadjutor archbishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati in Ohio in the United States in October 2008 to assist Archbishop Daniel Pilarczyk. When Pilarczyk retired in December 2009, Schnurr automatically became the diocesan archbishop without any ceremony.[6]

In some situations, the pope may appoint a coadjutor to override the diocesan bishop in certain matters. These might include a public scandal or financial mismanagement of diocese. The problems are serious, but not bad enough for the pope to remove the diocesan bishop.

In 2023, Pope Francis appointed Bishop François Touvet as coadjutor of the Diocese of Fréjus-Toulon in France to assist the elderly Bishop Dominique Rey. The pope gave Touvet special powers to oversee the preparation of seminarians and the financial management in the diocese. The Vatican had suspended the ordination of priests in the diocese in 2022.[7]

In one instance, the pope appointed a coadjutor to a church that was not a diocese. In 2002, Pope John Paul II named the Reverend Fernando Arêas Rifan as coadjutor of the Personal Apostolic Administration of Saint John Mary Vianney in Brazil. The pope took this action as part of the reconciliation agreement with the former Priestly Union of Saint John Mary Vianney that had broken with the Catholic Church.[8]

Right of succession

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The 1983 Code of Canon Law of the Latin Church stipulates that all coadjutors have the right of succession. The code also allows the pope to appoint an auxiliary bishop to a diocese "with special faculties [powers]", but without the right of succession.[9]

In 1986, Pope John Paul II appointed the Reverend Donald Wuerl as an auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of Seattle in Washington State in the United States with "special powers" to override Archbishop Raymond Hunthausen. The pope was unhappy with Hunthausen's handling of LGBTQ relations and other morality issues.[10]

Under the old 1917 Code of Canon Law, the pope did not have to give a coadjutor cum jure succesionis ("with the right of succession"). In practice, the popes sometimes appointed coadjutors without the right of succession. These coadjutors usually served in large archdioceses. They might hold other important posts within the Catholic Church, or might be auxiliary bishops that the pope wanted to honor with the title of coadjutor.[11]

For example, Pope Paul VI in 1965 appointed Auxiliary Bishop John J. Maguire as coadjutor of the Archdiocese of New York, one of the largest archdioceses in the United States, to assist Cardinal Francis Spellman. However, the pope denied Maguire the right to succeed Spellman following his death in 1967.[12]

Eastern Catholic Churches

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Some sui juris Eastern Catholic Churches also appoint coadjutors. However, the selection process differs among the churches.

  • The patriarchal or major archiepiscopal synods of the larger sui juris ritual churches typically elect their coadjutors, with papal assent.
  • The pope typically appoints the coadjutors in the smaller sui juris ritual churches.

The coadjutor of an eparchy, archeparchy, or metropolis has the respective status of an eparch, archeparch, or metropolitan.

Anglican communion

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In some provinces of the Anglican Communion, a bishop coadjutor (the form usually used) is a bishop elected or appointed to follow the current diocesan bishop upon the incumbent's death or retirement.

In the Episcopal Church in the United States of America, when a diocesan bishop announces their intent to retire, they normally call for a special diocesan convention to elect a bishop coadjutor. The bishop coadjutor and diocesan bishop then serve jointly until the diocesan bishop dies or retires. The coadjutor automatically becomes the diocesan bishop.[13]

A "bishop suffragan" is elected to assist the diocesan bishop under his direction, but without the inherent right of succession.[14]

There have been bishops coadjutor in the Anglican Church of Australia without the right of succession to the diocesan see.[citation needed]

See also

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References

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Coadjutor bishop

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A coadjutor is a appointed by the to assist a in the governance of a , possessing the inherent right of succession to become the ordinary upon the vacancy of the see through resignation, death, or transfer. This role, distinct from that of an who lacks succession rights, ensures continuity in diocesan leadership, particularly when the incumbent faces advanced age, health issues, or other impediments to full exercise of office. The coadjutor automatically assumes the position without further papal intervention once possession of office is confirmed via apostolic letter. Coadjutors are named ex officio by the Holy See under Canon 403 §3 when deemed opportune, often with special faculties outlined in their appointment letters, and they serve as vicar general to the diocesan bishop. They participate in key decisions, perform episcopal functions such as ordinations when delegated, and must reside within the diocese, consulting harmoniously with the ordinary on governance matters. This arrangement, rooted in canon law's provisions for episcopal collegiality, facilitates a trained successor's immersion in diocesan affairs, mitigating disruptions during transitions that have historically arisen from sudden vacancies.

Etymology and Definition

Origin of the term

The term coadjutor derives from Latin coadjutor, a compound of the prefix co- (meaning "together" or "with") and adjutor ("helper" or "assistant"), the latter stemming from the verb adjutare ("to aid" or "to assist"), ultimately from juvare ("to help"). This linguistic structure emphasizes collaborative assistance, aligning with the ecclesiastical application to a bishop appointed to support a diocesan bishop in governance duties. The English borrowing occurred in the 15th century via Old French coadjuteur, with early attestations around 1430 denoting a general collaborator before its specialization in Catholic canon law to describe an auxiliary with potential succession rights. In Church Latin, the full phrase episcopus coadjutor has been used historically to denote this assisting role, reflecting practices codified in later canonical texts such as the 1917 Code of Canon Law, though the terminology predates formal codification by centuries in episcopal appointments.

Core definition and distinctions

A is a appointed by the to assist a (or ) in the governance of a or archdiocese, possessing by law the office of and thus exercising ordinary vicarious power in all matters except those reserved to the . This appointment occurs when the deems it opportune due to the gravity of pastoral needs, such as the 's advanced age, health issues, or the 's size and complexity, and the coadjutor may be granted additional special faculties if circumstances require. Unlike temporary arrangements, the coadjutor's role ensures continuity, as he automatically succeeds to the diocesan see upon its vacancy by , transfer, or , provided he has taken possession of his office. The primary distinction from an lies in the right of succession: while both assist in diocesan governance and share vicarious powers, an auxiliary lacks the automatic entitlement to become the ordinary upon vacancy, serving instead at the discretion of the or subsequent appointee. Coadjutors are typically appointed to sees facing imminent transition, whereas auxiliaries address ongoing administrative burdens without implying succession. In practice, a coadjutor holds a designated title tied to the (e.g., "Coadjutor Bishop of [Diocese]"), reflecting his preparatory role, whereas auxiliaries often receive titular sees from defunct ancient bishoprics. Further distinctions include the coadjutor's precedence over in the and his obligation to reside there, mirroring the diocesan bishop's duties, though he remains subordinate until succession. In , the role aligns with Latin norms under the 1990 Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches (canons 427-430), but adaptations may occur for patriarchal or major archiepiscopal structures, emphasizing synodal consultation. This framework underscores the coadjutor's function as a bridge for stability rather than mere delegation.

Canonical and Historical Foundations

Provisions in canon law

A coadjutor bishop is appointed by the ex officio when it deems such an appointment more opportune than naming auxiliaries, granting the coadjutor special faculties in addition to the right of succession to the diocesan see. This provision, outlined in Canon 403 §3 of the (CIC), distinguishes the coadjutor from auxiliary bishops, who lack succession rights and are typically requested by the diocesan bishop for pastoral assistance under Canon 403 §§1-2. The coadjutor assists the diocesan bishop in the full governance of the , succeeding automatically upon the see's vacancy by resignation, transfer, retirement, or death, without need for further papal confirmation. Upon appointment, the coadjutor takes possession of office by presenting the apostolic letter to the , who must immediately notify the ; if the see is already vacant, notification goes to the of consultors. The then assigns specific offices and functions via , ensuring . By law, coadjutors serve as vicars general, exercising ordinary vicarial power unless otherwise specified, and participate fully in the diocesan as defined in Canons 405-407. Coadjutors retain their rights and obligations even if the appointing bishop departs before they assume duties, and they must reside in the diocese unless the permits otherwise for grave . Special faculties may include delegated powers for ordinations or confirmations, tailored to exigencies, but the coadjutor remains subordinate to the diocesan bishop until succession. These provisions aim to ensure continuity in episcopal leadership, particularly in dioceses facing aging bishops or administrative challenges, as evidenced by historical applications since the CIC's promulgation on January 25, 1983.

Historical evolution from early Church to present

In the early Church, the appointment of assisting bishops to support diocesan leaders developed informally to address practical needs such as language barriers, advanced age, or administrative burdens. A prominent instance occurred in 395, when Valerius, the aging Bishop of , secured permission from Aurelius, of , to ordain Augustine as coadjutor bishop. This allowed Augustine, recently ordained a priest in 391, to preach in Latin to the local congregation—complementing Valerius's Greek proficiency—and to prepare as successor; Augustine assumed the full episcopal role upon Valerius's death in 396. Such arrangements were ad hoc, reflecting the patristic emphasis on episcopal succession through direct apostolic lineage rather than codified structures, with assistants drawn from trusted to maintain doctrinal continuity and . By the medieval period, coadjutor appointments became more common in response to the growing complexity of diocesan administration amid feudal fragmentation and expanding ecclesiastical territories. Popes and provincial synods authorized coadjutors for bishops hindered by illness, political entanglements, or vast jurisdictions, often granting them vicarial powers for governance while reserving full succession rights variably. For example, in regions like 12th-century or , coadjutors handled routine ordinations, visitations, and synodal duties, mitigating vacancies that could invite secular interference. However, abuses arose, including nepotistic selections and disputes over authority, prompting calls for reform without uniform papal regulation until later centuries; the practice prioritized causal continuity in leadership over rigid , grounded in the empirical reality of human frailty among bishops. The (–1563) indirectly reinforced the coadjutor role through decrees on episcopal residency and competence, urging incapable prelates to resign or delegate effectively to avoid governance lapses, though it stopped short of mandating the office. Formal codification emerged with the 1917 Pio-Benedictine of (canons 350–355), which defined coadjutors as papal appointees assisting the ordinary with specified faculties and often the right of succession (cum jure successionis), ensuring seamless transitions and addressing pre-modern vacancies empirically observed in diocesan records. In the contemporary era, the (canons 403–411) streamlined these norms, requiring coadjutors—with or without succession rights—to serve as vicars general, exercise auxiliary faculties, and succeed automatically upon the see's vacancy, barring rare impediments. This evolution reflects a shift from reactive, localized responses in the patristic and medieval eras to proactive, universal provisions, informed by historical precedents of discontinuity risks and verified through Vatican oversight of episcopal appointments since the 20th century.

Appointment and Role

Process of appointment

The appointment of a coadjutor bishop is exclusively reserved to the Supreme Pontiff, who freely selects the individual in accordance with Canon 377 §1 of the Code of Canon Law. This authority allows the Pope to appoint a coadjutor either at the request of the diocesan bishop or ex officio by the Holy See when circumstances warrant, such as the incumbent bishop approaching the mandatory resignation age of 75 or facing health impediments that necessitate a planned succession. The selection process mirrors that for other bishops and commences at the local level, where the or provincial bishops identify potential candidates, often priests or auxiliary bishops with demonstrated administrative and pastoral competence. The then conducts investigations, consulting the incumbent bishop, neighboring bishops, Vatican dicasteries, and other relevant parties to compile a terna—a list of three qualified candidates—accompanied by detailed reports on their suitability, including , doctrinal , and governance experience. For coadjutor appointments, the typically justifies the necessity, emphasizing the need for continuity in leadership. The terna is forwarded to the in Rome, which reviews the materials, deliberates, and submits recommendations to the during private audiences. The Pope retains final discretion, unbound by the terna, and issues an apostolic letter of appointment upon selection. The appointee formally takes possession of the office by presenting this letter to the diocesan bishop and the college of consultors, with the act recorded by the chancery, as stipulated in Canon 404 §1. The entire procedure, from initiation to installation, commonly spans six to twelve months.

Duties and authority

A coadjutor bishop assists the in the governance of the , sharing in the exercise of episcopal office to promote the diocese's current and future welfare. Canon 407 §1 of the mandates collaboration between the , coadjutor, and certain auxiliaries to fulfill pastoral needs. This assistance extends to administrative, judicial, and legislative functions, though the retains ordinary power as the primary authority. The coadjutor's role ensures continuity, particularly when the incumbent faces health issues, advanced age, or other impediments that hinder full performance of duties. Under Canon 407 §2, the coadjutor aids in the "entire governance" of the and substitutes for the during absence or impediment, exercising delegated powers accordingly. This includes vicarious handling of synodal, pastoral, and curial matters, but without overriding the diocesan's veto or final decisions unless the see becomes vacant. Episcopally, coadjutors possess full authority to ordain , confirm, and consecrate bishops, independent of . Canon 408 §1 further obliges coadjutors to celebrate pontifical liturgies and other rites as prescribed by law or assigned by the , unless just impediment prevents it. If appointed cum jure successionis (with right of succession), the coadjutor's authority intensifies in preparation for automatic assumption of the see upon vacancy, as per Canon 409 §1, which voids any contrary provisions. Without this right (simpliciter), duties remain assistive, mirroring but prioritized for succession candidacy. In practice, coadjutors often manage specific apostolic works or regions, fostering seamless transition while respecting the diocesan's primacy. This structure, rooted in since the 1917 Code's refinements, balances support with hierarchical order, preventing governance gaps during transitions.

Right of Succession and Transition

Canonical right and conditions

A coadjutor bishop possesses a canonical right of succession to the diocesan see upon its vacancy, as provided in Canon 409 §1 of the 1983 Code of Canon Law, which stipulates that the coadjutor immediately assumes the office of , provided canonical possession has been taken and exclusion by the Roman Pontiff has not occurred. This right is inherent to the coadjutor's appointment under Canon 403 §2, which mandates such naming when the diocesan bishop's age, illness, or other grave cause impairs fulfillment of duties, distinguishing coadjutors from auxiliary bishops who lack automatic succession. Canonical possession, required for the succession right to activate, occurs when the coadjutor presents the apostolic letter of appointment to the if receptive, or otherwise to the college of consultors, , or episcopal vicar, as detailed in Canon 404 §1. Failure to achieve this possession delays assumption of full ordinary powers, though the coadjutor retains administrative roles during any interim period. The vacancy triggering succession arises from the 's death, accepted by the under Canon 401 or 402, transfer to another see per Canon 436, or deprivation in rare cases under Canon 193. The Roman Pontiff retains ultimate discretion to exclude a coadjutor from succession, an exceptional measure not invoking formal processes but papal , ensuring alignment with broader governance needs. Upon succession, the former coadjutor exercises full ordinary jurisdiction immediately, including governance, teaching, and sanctification faculties, without need for further confirmation, thereby ensuring diocesan continuity. This framework, rooted in post-Vatican II reforms, prioritizes stability while allowing pontifical oversight, as echoed in the Council's Christus Dominus (1965), which endorsed coadjutors with succession rights for pastoral exigency.

Practical implications for diocesan governance

A coadjutor bishop participates actively in the governance of the diocese by assisting the diocesan bishop across pastoral, administrative, and judicial functions, as stipulated in canon 407 of the Code of Canon Law, which mandates that coadjutors and auxiliaries aid in the exercise of the diocesan bishop's office. This assistance extends to the entire diocese unless otherwise specified in the apostolic letter of appointment, enabling the coadjutor to handle delegated responsibilities such as overseeing curial offices, synodal activities, or episcopal conferences, thereby distributing the workload and preventing governance bottlenecks during periods of diocesan bishop incapacity or heavy demands. In practice, this shared authority fosters operational continuity, as the coadjutor can substitute for the diocesan bishop during absences or impediments, exercising equivalent faculties in those instances without requiring additional papal intervention. The presence of a coadjutor introduces a structured succession mechanism that minimizes disruptions to diocesan administration upon the diocesan bishop's resignation, death, or transfer, as the coadjutor automatically assumes full governance without an intervening sede vacante period, which would otherwise devolve limited powers to a college of consultors or administrator. This arrangement, governed by canon 409 §1, ensures immediate retention of ordinary, proper, and immediate episcopal jurisdiction over the diocese, preserving momentum in ongoing initiatives like financial oversight, clergy assignments, and liturgical reforms. Administratively, it allows for preemptive alignment of policies, as the coadjutor, often appointed with a specific mandate (e.g., for a see facing administrative challenges), integrates into decision-making bodies like the presbyteral council, potentially streamlining transitions but requiring deference to the diocesan bishop's ultimate authority under canon 381. While enhancing efficiency, the coadjutor's role can complicate internal dynamics if not managed through clear delegation, as the diocesan bishop retains exclusive rights in reserved acts such as issuing particular laws or approving major alienations of diocesan property, per canons 381 and 1297, potentially leading to dual-leadership tensions resolved canonically by the coadjutor's obligation to collaborate faithfully. In larger dioceses, this often manifests as the coadjutor focusing on vicar-general-like duties or specialized vicariates, reducing the risk of governance paralysis from over-reliance on a single ordinary, though empirical observations from diocesan reports indicate it primarily serves as a stabilizing tool for sees with aging or health-compromised bishops. Overall, the institution promotes resilient administration by embedding into routine operations, aligning with the Church's emphasis on apostolic continuity without altering the monarchical structure of episcopal rule.

Variations Across Traditions

Latin Church specifics

In the Latin Church, the institution of the coadjutor bishop is governed by canons 403–411 of the 1983 Code of Canon Law, which emphasize assistance to the and provision for orderly succession. The Roman Pontiff appoints a coadjutor to a when the latter cannot adequately perform his duties due to age, infirmity, or another grave cause, with the coadjutor possessing the right of succession to the see unless the appointment specifies otherwise. This distinguishes coadjutors from auxiliary bishops, who assist in governance but lack any automatic right to succeed. The coadjutor assumes office upon notification and acceptance of the appointment, and upon the diocesan see becoming vacant through death, resignation, transfer, or removal of the incumbent, he succeeds ipso iure () unless the directs differently. Duties include close collaboration with the in the ordinary governance of the , participation in synods and councils, visitation of the when delegated, and substitution during the 's absence or impediment. However, the coadjutor's exercise of authority remains vicarious and limited to tasks expressly delegated by the , as the latter retains sole ordinary over the . The coadjutor must reside within the diocese and, if not already consecrated, receive episcopal ordination prior to taking possession of the office. This framework supports seamless transitions, aligning with the requirement under canon 401 that bishops submit resignation offers upon reaching age 75, after which the Pope may appoint a coadjutor to facilitate continuity amid potential delays in acceptance. Appointments occur exclusively by papal prerogative, typically following recommendations from the apostolic nuncio and input from the local episcopal conference, without synodal election as may occur in certain Eastern Catholic contexts for higher hierarchs.

Eastern Catholic Churches

In the Eastern Catholic Churches, the appointment and role of coadjutor bishops are regulated by the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches (CCEO), promulgated by on October 18, 1990, which applies to the 23 Churches in with Rome. A coadjutor bishop assists the eparchial bishop (the Eastern equivalent of a ) in the governance of the and holds the right of succession to the office upon the eparchial bishop's death, , transfer, or deprivation, unless a special mandate from the specifies otherwise. This right is explicitly defined in Canon 178, distinguishing coadjutors from auxiliary bishops, who assist without automatic succession unless expressly granted by the (Canon 179). Appointments occur through the Roman Pontiff, who freely selects coadjutors when the eparchial bishop's ill health or other grave causes impair fulfillment of duties (Canon 182), but require prior consultation with the eparchial bishop and the synod of bishops of the patriarchal or major archepiscopal Church (Canon 184). In patriarchal Churches, the patriarch may appoint a coadjutor with the consent of the synod of bishops and after consulting the Apostolic See, observing Canons 181–187 and 212 (Canon 85 §2, n. 1). Outside patriarchal territory, the synod elects at least three candidates for submission to the Roman Pontiff (Canon 149). Coadjutors take canonical possession by presenting apostolic letters to the eparchial bishop and college of consultors, after which they are recorded by the chancellor (Canon 214). Coadjutor bishops exercise rights and obligations derived from and the terms of their canonical provision, including replacement of an absent or impeded eparchial bishop, appointment as (chancellor), and execution of special mandates (Canon 215 §1). They participate actively and passively in the of bishops according to particular law (Canon 212 §2) and must reside in the , departing only for duties or brief vacations not exceeding one month annually (Canon 217). Upon vacancy of the eparchial see, the coadjutor assumes administration until enthroned as bishop (Canon 222), ensuring continuity in . The eparchial bishop consults the coadjutor on major matters, with decisions requiring unanimity to promote (Canon 215 §§3–4). Compared to the Latin Church's Code of (1983), the CCEO emphasizes synodal and patriarchal involvement in appointments and definitions of authority, reflecting Eastern ecclesial traditions of over centralized papal discretion alone, while maintaining the coadjutor's core assistive and successor functions. Resignation follows Canons 210 and 211 §2, granting status upon acceptance (Canon 218). These provisions adapt to diverse rites, such as Byzantine or Chaldean, without altering the fundamental structure.

Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox Churches

In the Eastern Orthodox Churches, the concept of a coadjutor bishop with an automatic right of succession, as formalized in Latin canon law, is not a canonical norm. Diocesan hierarchs, typically titled metropolitans or archbishops, are assisted by auxiliary bishops—also termed bishops—who perform episcopal ordinations, confirmations, and other sacramental duties under the direct oversight of the ruling bishop but without independent governance over territory. These auxiliaries are elected and consecrated by the to address pastoral demands in expansive dioceses, such as those encompassing multiple metropolitan areas or ethnic jurisdictions. For instance, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America employs auxiliaries bearing titular sees from ancient locales to support the archbishop's administration. Succession occurs via synodal election from eligible monastic , emphasizing conciliar authority over predetermined inheritance, with the process initiated upon a hierarch's incapacity, death, or canonical retirement. This structure aligns with ancient patristic precedents, where bishops like St. Ignatius of Antioch stressed episcopal unity without hereditary succession, and canon 15 of the First Ecumenical Council (, 325 AD) underscores synodal oversight in episcopal appointments. Modern examples include the appointment of auxiliaries in the , where they aid diocesan bishops in liturgical and missionary work but defer to synodal consensus for leadership transitions. The absence of coadjutor succession rights preserves hierarchical , preventing potential conflicts seen in historical transfers or disputed elections, such as those during the 19th-century Russian Orthodox missions in . In the , coadjutor appointments occur more variably, often mirroring Eastern Orthodox auxiliary roles but occasionally incorporating succession elements for senior positions. The , for example, has historically named coadjutor catholicoi to assist and potentially succeed the , as with Papken I Guleserian, appointed coadjutor in the 1930s amid consultations with clergy and laity to ensure continuity in the Catholicosate of . These roles involve shared administrative burdens, such as overseeing seminaries and communities, yet ultimate succession requires synodal ratification. In the , coadjutors assist metropolitan bishops in large archdioceses, handling vicarial duties like parish visitations and synodal preparations, though without guaranteed automatic elevation; elections by the Holy Synod determine diocesan heads. The similarly relies on auxiliary or locum tenens bishops for assistance, with historical precedents like Shemon bar Sabbae (d. 344 AD) serving as coadjutor prior to full authority, but contemporary practice favors synodal elections over fixed rights. Across these communions, the emphasis remains on apostolic , with coadjutors or equivalents appointed for exigencies like aging hierarchs or jurisdictional growth, as evidenced in 20th-century adaptations to expansion.

Anglican Communion

In the Anglican Communion, a coadjutor bishop serves as an assistant to the diocesan bishop with the inherent right of succession, typically upon the diocesan's resignation, resignation, or vacancy of the see. This role is recognized across various provinces, though its implementation varies; for instance, the Principles of Canon Law Common to the Churches of the Anglican Communion permits a designated ecclesiastical authority to appoint a coadjutor to provide assistance to a diocesan bishop, emphasizing episcopal collegiality and continuity in leadership. The appointment underscores the Communion's emphasis on orderly transition, distinguishing the coadjutor from suffragan or assistant bishops who lack automatic succession rights. In the of the , a within the Communion, the coadjutor is elected by diocesan convention with the explicit consent of the incumbent , ensuring alignment in and before consecration. Upon assuming office, the coadjutor exercises delegated episcopal functions, such as ordinations and confirmations, while preparing to assume full diocesan , thereby minimizing disruption during transitions. This mechanism has been employed in numerous dioceses, as evidenced by provisions requiring the coadjutor's prior to the diocesan's planned retirement. Other provinces, such as the , similarly provide for coadjutor bishops who succeed immediately upon vacancy, with canonical language affirming their right to the office without necessitating further election. In contrast, the relies more on suffragan and area bishops for assistance, with coadjutor appointments being exceptional or absent in standard practice, reflecting national variations in synodal and monarchical elements of episcopal selection. These differences highlight the Communion's decentralized structure, where provincial canons adapt the coadjutor role to local contexts while upholding shared principles of and episcopal oversight.

Notable Practices and Criticisms

Historical examples of use and abuse

In the early history of the Catholic Church in the United States, coadjutor bishops were appointed to ensure continuity in diocesan leadership amid challenges such as distance from and the bishop's inability to travel. For instance, in 1817, Bishop Jean-Louis Lefebvre de Cheverus of requested the appointment of Ambrose Maréchal as coadjutor for the Diocese of New York due to his own commitments in , facilitating administrative stability without leaving the see vacant. Similarly, in , Bishop George Hay of the Lowland District appointed Alexander Cameron as coadjutor in 1778 to assist in his advanced age and extensive pastoral duties, allowing Hay to continue effective governance until his death in 1811 at age 80. Such appointments with right of succession proved valuable in missionary territories, where sudden vacancies could disrupt evangelization efforts; historically emphasized this role to maintain uninterrupted episcopal authority, as noted in early 20th-century ecclesiastical references drawing from longstanding practice. Abuses arose particularly through , where bishops favored relatives over more qualified candidates to entrench family influence. A notable case occurred , where Nicholas Sweetman of Ferns appointed his nephew John Stafford as coadjutor in the mid-18th century, prompting accusations of favoritism from Franciscan critics who viewed it as prioritizing over ecclesiastical merit. This reflected broader patterns in pre-modern , where familial appointments undermined the principle of selection based on pastoral aptitude, contributing to criticisms of and secular interference in Church governance during periods of weakened papal oversight.

Modern appointments and debates

In the , coadjutor bishops are appointed by the under Canon 403 of the Code of Canon Law when the good of the or apostolic needs warrant it, typically to assist an aging or ailing and ensure automatic succession upon , , , or translation. This practice has become more routine in the for major dioceses facing leadership transitions or crises, with over a dozen such appointments in the United States alone since 2020, often tied to bishops reaching the age of 75 or extended service to 80 with papal permission. Recent examples illustrate this trend. On September 24, 2025, Pope Leo XIV named Bishop James F. Checchio of Metuchen as coadjutor archbishop of New Orleans, granting him right of succession to Archbishop Gregory Aymond amid ongoing bankruptcy proceedings stemming from clergy sexual abuse settlements exceeding $100 million. The move addressed administrative strains in a historically significant but financially burdened archdiocese. Similarly, on May 21, 2024, Pope Francis appointed Auxiliary Bishop Joseph A. Williams of Saint Paul and Minneapolis as coadjutor of Camden, New Jersey, to succeed Bishop Dennis Sullivan upon his 80th birthday in March 2025, emphasizing continuity in governance. In June 2025, Bishop Elias Frank was named coadjutor archbishop of Calcutta, India, reflecting global application for succession planning in diverse contexts. Debates surrounding modern coadjutor appointments center on their role in versus potential over-centralization of authority. In troubled sees, such as a French under a 2022 ordination moratorium due to formation lapses, Francis's 2023 coadjutor appointment facilitated oversight and lifted sanctions, underscoring their utility in enforcing Vatican standards. Critics, including some canonists and commentators, argue that frequent use in stable but aging leadership scenarios may dilute local clerical input on successors, echoing historical tensions between papal prerogative and ancient synodal traditions, though empirical data shows smoother transitions with fewer interim apostolic administrators. No widespread doctrinal controversies exist, but isolated discussions question , noting that coadjutors in low-attendance U.S. dioceses (where Mass participation hovers below 20%) could redirect episcopal manpower to evangelization over administration. Proponents counter that they prevent governance vacuums, as evidenced by reduced vacancy periods post-2000 compared to earlier eras.

References

  1. https://www.vatican.va/archive/cod-iuris-canonici/eng/documents/cic_lib2-cann368-430_en.html
  2. https://www.wordreference.com/definition/coadjutor
  3. https://www.oed.com/dictionary/coadjutor_n
  4. https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english/coadjutor
  5. https://canonlawmadeeasy.com/2012/01/24/bishop-coadjutor-and-auxiliary/
  6. https://www.detroitcatholic.com/news/what-is-the-difference-between-an-archbishop-and-an-auxiliary-bishop-3
  7. https://www.usccb.org/offices/general-secretariat/appointing-bishops
  8. https://camdendiocese.org/what-is-a-coadjutor/
  9. https://canonlaw.ninja/?nums=403-411
  10. https://www.vatican.va/archive/cod-iuris-canonici/cic_index_en.html
  11. https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/clergy-in-the-medieval-world/rules-for-life/CD368254F9986A716A81219F07363D13
  12. https://www.canonlaw.info/codexQuon.htm
  13. https://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_decree_19651028_christus-dominus_en.html
  14. https://www.clerus.org/bibliaclerusonline/en/dnx.htm
  15. https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/__P2E.HTM
  16. https://www.usccb.org/offices/public-affairs/catholic-terms
  17. https://orthocath.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/1990_code_of_canons_of_the_eastern_churches.pdf
  18. https://myocn.net/the-role-of-the-bishop/
  19. https://www.goarch.org/-/the-synodal-structure-of-the-orthodox-church
  20. https://www.oca.org/holy-synod
  21. https://armenianprelacy.org/2025/07/03/death-of-catholicos-coadjutor-papken-i-july-9-1868/
  22. https://soorpstepanos.org/the-armenian-catholicosate-of-cilicia-2/
  23. https://www.anglicancommunion.org/media/124862/AC-Principles-of-Canon-Law.pdf
  24. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/ecclesiastical-law-journal/article/limited-episcopacy-canon-law-and-the-ministry-of-the-episcopal-assistant-in-the-anglican-communion/4302F26E72A692FED62D7FD8E25E609C
  25. https://www.episcopalchurch.org/glossary/bishop-coadjutor/
  26. https://extranet.generalconvention.org/staff/files/download/31954
  27. http://province-canada.anglican.org/canon-3/
  28. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11020a.htm
  29. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07157b.htm
  30. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02581b.htm
  31. https://www.dib.ie/biography/sweetman-nicholas-a8411
  32. https://www.usccb.org/news/2024/pope-francis-appoints-bishop-joseph-williams-coadjutor-bishop-camden
  33. https://www.ncregister.com/cna/bishop-checchio-to-join-troubled-archdiocese-of-new-orleans-as-coadjutor
  34. https://www.facebook.com/groups/2297531780465364/posts/4058882174330307/
  35. https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/end-of-ordination-ban-in-sight-as
  36. https://catholicexchange.com/bishops-coadjutors-and-auxiliaries/
  37. https://praytellblog.com/index.php/2016/12/06/auxiliary-bishops-and-why-they-are-not-needed/
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