A. Coadjutor and auxiliary bishops

25. In governing their dioceses, bishops must take the good of the Lord's flock as their highest objective. This will often demand the appointment of auxiliary bishops, the bishop of the diocese being unable to perform his duty sufficiently well for the good of souls on his own, either because of the great size of the diocese, the number of inhabitants, some special pastoral problem, or for some other reasons. Sometimes indeed special circumstances may require that a coadjutor bishop be appointed to assist the diocesan bishop. Suitable faculties should be conferred on those coadjutors and auxiliary bishops so that, without prejudice to the unity of the diocesan administration or to the authority of the diocesan bishop, their labours may be more effective and the dignity of the episcopal office duly safeguarded.

Since coadjutors and auxiliary bishops are chosen to share the burdens of the diocesan bishop, they should so perform their ministry that in all matters they act in single-minded accord with him. They should show all respect and reverence for the bishop of the diocese, who for his part should have a fraternal affection for his coadjutors or auxiliaries and should hold them in esteem. (See D 46, 13.)

26. When the good of souls requires it the diocesan bishop should not hesitate to ask for one or more auxiliaries, who will be appointed for the diocese, however, without any right of succession.

If it is not expressly provided in the letters of nomination, the diocesan bishop should appoint his auxiliary --- or each of his auxiliaries --- vicar general or at least episcopal vicar. The will, however, be dependent on his authority. He may think it well to consult them in deciding matters of greater importance, especially questions of pastoral significance.

Unless it has been otherwise provided by the competent authority, the powers and faculties conferred by law on auxiliary bishops are not terminated by the departure from office of the diocesan bishop. It is indeed desirable, unless there are grave reasons to the contrary, that the responsibility of governing the diocese during the vacancy of the see should be entrusted to the auxiliary bishops, or if there are several, to one of them

A coadjutor bishop, that is, one nominated with the right of succession, should always be appointed vicar general by the diocesan bishop. More extensive faculties may, in particular cases, be granted to him by the competent authority.

For the greater present and future good of the diocese the diocesan bishop and his coadjutor should consult each other on matters of major importance. (See D. 46, 13.)