Legate

Charles Buck Theological Dictionary

A cardinal, or bishop whom the pope sends as his ambassador to sovereign princes.

The Nuttall Encyclopedia

The title of the Pope's representative or ambassador; in medieval times this office was attached to certain bishoprics, and the bishops were styled legati nati; besides these there were legati a latere , generally cardinals, and legati missi , or nuncios specially appointed; legates used to claim full papal jurisdiction within their provinces, which caused many disputes; now they are ambassadors for spiritual purposes at Roman Catholic Courts—Vienna, Münich, Madrid, Lisbon, and Paris—and do not interfere with the authority of the bishops.