Simple English definitions for legal terms
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A guardian of the spiritualities is a person who takes care of the spiritual and religious matters of a diocese when there is no bishop present. This person has the authority to make decisions and provide guidance to the members of the diocese during this time.
Definition: A guardian of the spiritualities is a person who has the authority to exercise the spiritual and ecclesiastical jurisdiction of a diocese when the bishop is absent or there is a vacancy in the see.
For example, when a bishop retires or passes away, there is a period of time when the diocese is without a bishop. During this time, a guardian of the spiritualities may be appointed to oversee the spiritual and ecclesiastical matters of the diocese until a new bishop is appointed.
Another example would be if a bishop is unable to perform their duties due to illness or other reasons. In this case, a guardian of the spiritualities may be appointed to temporarily take on the responsibilities of the bishop.
These examples illustrate how a guardian of the spiritualities serves as a temporary leader and caretaker of a diocese's spiritual and ecclesiastical matters in the absence of a bishop.