in partibus infidelium

English

Alternative forms

in partibus, i.p.i.

Etymology

Borrowed from Ecclesiastical Latin in partibus īnfidēlium (literally “in the regions of the infidels”), so named because such bishops were assigned sees corresponding to territories that had passed under the control of other religions, and so did not imply a duty of residence or diocesan responsibilities.

Adjective

in partibus infidelium (not comparable)

(Roman Catholicism, historical, postpositive) Of a bishop or see: merely titular, without regular jurisdiction, and serving to assist some other bishop or to act as delegates of the pope where no hierarchy had yet been established.

Usage notes

The term in partibus infidelium was formally suppressed by the Catholic Church in 1882, and such bishops are now officially known as titular bishops.