Definition

1. Noun:
   • An assistant to a bishop: A coadjutor is a bishop appointed to assist and often to succeed a diocesan bishop. The role involves sharing in the responsibilities and authority of the diocese.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The aging bishop welcomed a coadjutor to help manage the large diocese.
  • Upon the bishop's retirement, the coadjutor automatically succeeded him.

Advanced Usage

• Ecclesiastical Role: In the Roman Catholic Church and some other Christian traditions, a coadjutor bishop often has the right of succession, meaning they will become the diocesan bishop upon the current bishop's death, retirement, or resignation.
  • The appointment of a coadjutor with the right of succession ensures a smooth transition of leadership.

Variants and Related Words

• Coadjutor bishop: The full, formal title for the role.
  • The Vatican announced the appointment of a new coadjutor bishop for the archdiocese.

Synonyms

• Assistant bishop: A bishop who assists another.
• Auxiliary bishop: A bishop assigned to assist a diocesan bishop, though typically without the automatic right of succession that a coadjutor often has.

Noun

1. an assistant to a bishop