Why would someone become a bishop?

Answer 1

Bishops are representatives of an area or a sector of the Catholic Church, called a diocese. Usually, one would become bishop because he has the capability to administrate a diocese. Becoming a bishop can also move you up in the Hierarchy of the Catholic Church.

Roman Catholic AnswerOne becomes a bishop ONLY at the instigation of the Holy Father. The Pope decides, after consulting with his advisers, who he wants to pick for bishop, and the Nuncio would extend the invitation privately. If the priest in question accepts, a consecration by another Bishop (usually three) is arranged. Bishop is the fullness of the priesthood of Christ.

Additional Comment:

The Scripture states what a man of God needs in character to be a bishop:

1 Timothy 3:1-3New King James Version (NKJV) Qualifications of Overseers3 This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; 3 not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous;

Note: The office of 'bishop' is not restricted to the RC Church only. Many Christian sects have this office.