legate a latere
/ˌlɛɡət ɑː ˈlatəreɪ
/ /-ri/noun
A papal legate of the highest class, with full powers.The Pope could appoint a ‘legate a latere’ - that is a cardinal with the power to act in the name of the Pope in this area....
- Wolsey additionally became papal legate a latere in 1518.
- In 1518 the pope honoured him with the special status of legate a latere, outranking the legatine status held by every archbishop of Canterbury; in 1524 this title was, uniquely, given for life.
Origin
Early 16th century: from legate + Latin a latere 'by a third party'.