The mission of this body is to assist the Pope in selecting the pastors to whom he will entrust the ecclesial communities within his jurisdiction. After identifying the priests proposed for the episcopate, the final decision rests with the Pope.

The Dicastery for Bishops has been headed since January 2023, with the office of Prefect, by then-Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who later ascended to the throne of Peter as Leo XIV. The Secretary is Monsignor Ilson de Jesus Montanari. The task entrusted to this Dicastery by the Church is to assist the Pope in choosing the pastors of the People of God. This curial body is responsible for everything related to the establishment and provision of particular Churches and the exercise of the episcopal office in the Latin Church, except for matters within the competence of the Dicastery for Evangelization.

Skills

The scope of action and responsibilities of the Dicastery for Bishops are outlined in the Apostolic Constitution “Praedicate Evangelium.” This Dicastery, after gathering the necessary information and in collaboration with the Bishops and Episcopal Conferences, is responsible for all matters concerning the constitution of particular Churches and their groupings, their division, unification, suppression, and other changes. The Dicastery handles all matters related to the appointment of Bishops, both diocesan and titular, as well as Apostolic Administrators. The Dicastery also handles the resignation of Bishops from their office, in accordance with canonical provisions. Furthermore, it is responsible for preparing all matters related to the “ad limina Apostolorum” visits of the particular Churches entrusted to its care.

Pontifical Commission for Latin America

The Pontifical Commission for Latin America is housed within the Dicastery for Bishops. Its task is to study issues affecting the life and development of the particular Churches of Latin America. It is also responsible for fostering relations between international and national ecclesiastical institutions operating in Latin America and curial institutions.

Brief historical notes

The Dicastery for Bishops has ancient origins. Sixtus V, with the Constitution  Immensa  of January 22, 1588, instituted the Congregation for the Erection of Churches and Consistorial Provisions, a name later changed to the Sacred Consistorial Congregation. Saint Pius X, with the Constitution  Sapienti Consilio  of 1908, expanded its powers, assigning it, among others, competence regarding the election of bishops, the erection of dioceses, and the establishment of chapters of canons. With the Apostolic Constitution  Regimini Ecclesiae Universae  of August 15, 1967, of Paul VI, the name was again changed to the Sacred Congregation for Bishops. With the Apostolic Constitution  Pastor Bonus  of June 28, 1988, issued by John Paul II, it was determined that the Congregation for Bishops should be responsible, among other things, for everything related to the constitution of particular Churches and their Councils, their division, unification, suppression, and other changes. The Congregation for Bishops subsequently changed its name in 2022. With the promulgation of the Apostolic Constitution Praedicate Evangelium, the former name of Congregation was modified. Its current name is the Dicastery for Bishops.

Choosing men to be pastors

The criterion is not the pursuit of perfection. The Dicastery for Bishops, unlike the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, is concerned with evaluating the pastoral profiles of candidates who are men on a journey toward the light of the Gospel. In a priest proposed for the episcopate, the theological and cardinal virtues, and in particular prudence, are certainly important. The work of the Dicastery for Bishops is a task that must be carried out collegially, with faith and in a spirit of service. The final evaluation is then submitted to the Pope for his final decision.

(Translation made while maintaining fidelity to the original text published in  Vatican News  )

1. State Secretariat
2. Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith
3. Dicastery for Bishops