A Vicar General is the principal deputy of the Bishop of a diocese for the exercise of administrative authority and possesses the title of local ordinary. As Vicar of the Bishop, the Vicar General exercises the Bishop’s ordinary executive power over the entire diocese and, thus, is the highest official in a diocese or other particular church after the diocesan Bishop or his equivalent in canon law.
He makes decisions following the intention and the mind of the bishop. By this office, the Vicar General is an extension of part of the bishop’s executive power – handling issues regarding policy and procedure in the diocese.
Using expertise, integrity, and prudence, he offers insights to the bishop on a variety of subjects and issues facing the diocese and he assists him in caring for the clergy and making personnel decisions.