APOSTOLIC PREFECTURE and APOSTOLIC PREFECT. — An apostolic prefecture is an ecclesiastical territory with defined boundaries, not erected as a diocese, governed by an apostolic prefect. Together with the apostolic vicariate (v.) and the autonomous or sui iuris mission, it forms the territorial missionary organization, also called a quasi-diocese, ordinarily directly dependent on the Apostolic See.
The juridical development of this institution has not yet been sufficiently elucidated. Among the Orientals, as may be gathered from the motu proprio Auspicia rerum of Leo XIII, 19 March 1896, and from the decree of the S. Congr. of Prop. Fide, Excelsum, 12 September 1896, there existed apostolic prefectures without their own territory within the boundaries of another mission or diocese; among the Latins, it is certain that there were apostolic prefectures with their own separate territory and jurisdictionally independent at least by the middle of the nineteenth century. The institution was already stably defined at the end of the nineteenth century. In the preparatory schemata of the CIC, the apostolic prefecture appears on a footing of perfect equality with the apostolic vicariate, in accordance with what was subsequently incorporated into the CIC itself.
The erection of an apostolic prefecture is reserved to the supreme ecclesiastical authority, and its territorial boundaries are not subject to prescription; it is ordinarily divided into missionary stations, quasi-parishes, and missionary districts. It is generally a wholly independent territory, although in practice it may be included in a province of missionary or common law and thus, according to the CIC, subject to the jurisdiction of the metropolitan. Its internal administration imitates that of a diocese: the quasi-diocesan curia is composed of the incumbent, the delegated vicar, with powers similar to those of a vicar general, and the Mission Council, which takes the place of the cathedral Chapter, though according to different procedures. Interim administration (in the event of a vacant or impeded see) is assumed by the pro-prefect, almost in the capacity of a capitular vicar, appointed by the apostolic prefect himself.
When the progress of evangelization becomes consolidated, the apostolic prefecture is elevated to the rank of an apostolic vicariate.