The
Apostolic Prefecture of
Micronesia was established in 1844, on territory split off from the
Apostolic Vicariate of Western Oceania. On 15 May 1886, it lost territory to establish the
Mission sui juris of Eastern Carolines and the
Mission sui juris of Western Carolines. In 1887 it was promoted to
Apostolic Vicariate (entitled to a
titular bishop) of Micronesia. It remained exempt, i.e. directly subject to the Holy see, not part of any
ecclesiastical province. On 10 May 1889, it was suppressed, its territory passing to the
Apostolic Vicariate of New Britain (another offspring of the
Apostolic Vicariate of Western Oceania, now the Archdiocese of Rabaul). ==References==