Papal legate

A Papal Legate -from the Latin, authentic Roman title Legatus- is a personal representative of the Pope to the nations, or rather to some part of the universal church. He is empowered on the matters of unity of the catholic faith and for the settlement of ecclesiastical matters.

Legatus a Latere

This highest rank (literally 'from the (Pope's) side', i.e. 'intimately' trusted) - has to be a awarded to a cardinal, a Prince of the Church -is exceptional and usual very short

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~