Q. 1. What is an "Apostolic Prefecture?"

A. 1. An "Apostolic Prefecture" is a missionary area where the Catholic Church is not yet sufficiently developed to have it made a diocese.

If a prefecture grows and flourishes, it may be elevated to an apostolic vicariate, headed by a titular bishop, in the hope that with time the region will generate enough Catholics and stability for its Catholic institutions, to warrant being established as a diocese.

The usual sequence of development is: mission, prefecture, vicariate, diocese.