Congregation (Roman Curia)

The second highest-ranking departments of the Roman Curia (the central administration of the Catholic Church) are called congregations. Above them are the three Secretariats. Lower-ranking are the pontifical councils and pontifical commissions. Others are tribunals and offices. Each congregation is led by a prefect, who is usually a cardinal. Until recently, a non-cardinal appointed to head a congregation was styled pro-prefect until made a cardinal. This practice has been abandoned.

Congregation (Roman Curia)

The second highest-ranking departments of the Roman Curia (the central administration of the Catholic Church) are called congregations. Above them are the three Secretariats. Lower-ranking are the pontifical councils and pontifical commissions. Others are tribunals and offices. Each congregation is led by a prefect, who is usually a cardinal. Until recently, a non-cardinal appointed to head a congregation was styled pro-prefect until made a cardinal. This practice has been abandoned.