LEGATE

LEGATE, 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.