General

General, in the Roman Catholic Church, the head of the various communities forming a religious order. The general of an order is answerable to the Pope alone, being free from episcopal control. Next in rank to the general are the provincials (q.v.), and below these are the heads, of separate institutions as abbots, priors, etc. The general is usually elected for a term of three years, but in the case of the Jesuits for life. The elective body is the general chapter, commonly composed of the provincials and some of the chief heads of houses. An election is not valid till it receives the Pope's assent. The general lives at Rome, where he takes ipart in general councils. He sends out visitors to inquire into local abuses and disputes, and holds a general chapter at certain fixed intervals.