ARCHPRIEST. – By this term one commonly designates the priest who has ordinary care of souls; technically it signifies the parish priest who holds a parish in title, which is sometimes also a rural deanery; more frequently it refers to a dignity in a Chapter (q.v.), which is generally united with the office of care of souls in cathedral or collegiate chapters.
The term can also denote the office of a cardinal, which properly takes the name of cardinal archpriest, inasmuch as he presides over and governs the clergy of one of the patriarchal basilicas of Rome (St. John Lateran, St. Peter’s, St. Mary Major). For the historical aspect, see cardinal and presbyter.