(Latin: pasco, feed)

An individual priest, or a moral person (a religious order or community) on whom a parish has been conferred, with the rights to the benefice of that parish. Pastors exercise the care of souls under the authority of the bishop. Pastors are irremovable when they enjoy the right of perpetuity of office. Such a pastor cannot be removed or transferred unless for a canonical reason, viz., a reason which is stipulated by the law of the Catholic Church. Other pastors are removable, such as religious and those who have charge of a congregation which has not as yet attained the status of a canonical parish.