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Q: What is the difference between a bishop and an archbishop? – N.
Dear N.,
To understand the difference, you first have to know a little about the organizational structure of the Church. A diocese is a geographical area which comes under the jurisdiction and pastoral care of a bishop. For example, we belong to the Diocese of Peterborough which is under the authority of the Most Reverend Nicola De Angelis. Dioceses are grouped under larger divisions known as provinces (not to be confused with the Canadian geographical and political divisions of the same name).
The Diocese of Peterborough is part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Kingston, which includes the Archdiocese of Kingston and two other dioceses, Sault Sainte Marie and Alexandria-Cornwall. An archdiocese is the primary diocese of a province, usually chosen because of its size or historical significance, and the bishop in charge of an archdiocese is known as an archbishop . The Archdiocese of Kingston is under the stewardship of Archbishop Anthony Meagher. An archbishop has limited supervisory jurisdiction over other dioceses in his province. His position in relationship to other bishops in his province is sometimes described as 'first among equals'.
In cases where a Cardinal is in charge of an archdiocese, such as in Toronto , he is known as a Cardinal Archbishop.
God bless,
Father Norbert.