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A prefect apostolic only rarely is a Titular Bishop but is normally a priest. If a prefecture grows and flourishes, it is elevated to an Apostolic Vicariate , which is headed by a bishop, though it is again not yet a diocese. In both cases, the hope is that with time the region will generate enough Catholics, and enough stability for its Catholic institutions, to warrant being "erected" into its own diocese. The usual sequence of development is mission, to prefecture, to apostolic vicariate, to diocese. Apostolic prefectures fell out of use in the 20th century, as most traditional mission areas had reached a further stage. However Pope John Paul II started to create some again. In April 2006, there were 45, all of the Roman rite, mainly in China. They are to be distinguished from a Territorial Abbacy (or " Abbey Nullius "). SOURCES AND REFERENCES |
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