Apostolic delegate – Definition & Meaning

The term “apostolic delegate” is often used in the Catholic Church, and it refers to a representative of the Pope who is sent to a particular region or country to carry out specific duties. This article will explore the definition and meaning of apostolic delegate, its origin, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences.

Definitions

An apostolic delegate is a representative of the Pope who is sent to a particular region or country to carry out specific duties. The duties of an apostolic delegate can vary depending on the situation, but they generally involve overseeing the administration of the Church in the region or country they are sent to.

Origin

The term “apostolic delegate” has its roots in the Latin word “delegatus,” which means “delegate” or “representative.” The use of apostolic delegates dates back to the early days of the Catholic Church, when they were sent to help spread the faith and establish new dioceses in different parts of the world.

Meaning in different dictionaries

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, an apostolic delegate is “a representative of the pope invested with certain powers over a particular district or mission.” The Oxford dictionary defines an apostolic delegate as “a representative of the pope in a foreign country or region.”

Associations

The term “apostolic delegate” is closely associated with the Catholic Church and its hierarchy. Apostolic delegates are appointed by the Pope and are considered to be his representatives in the regions or countries they are sent to. They are also associated with the administration of the Church in those regions or countries.

Synonyms

Some synonyms of apostolic delegate include papal representative, papal nuncio, apostolic nuncio, and ambassador of the Holy See.

Antonyms

There are no direct antonyms of apostolic delegate, but some antonyms of the term “delegate” include representative, proxy, and substitute.

The same root words

The same root words as apostolic delegate include delegate, delegation, and delegatus.

Example Sentences

1. The apostolic delegate arrived in the country to oversee the administration of the Church and to promote the faith.
2. The apostolic delegate met with local leaders to discuss ways to strengthen the Church’s presence in the region.
3. The appointment of the new apostolic delegate was announced by the Vatican.
4. The apostolic delegate was responsible for establishing new dioceses in the region and appointing bishops to lead them.
5. The apostolic delegate worked closely with local priests and bishops to ensure the smooth running of the Church in the region.