legat

Legat is a historical term of Latin origin, derived from legatus, meaning a sent envoy or deputy. In antiquity and later periods, the word described a person who represented a higher authority and carried out delegated duties, often in a military, administrative, or diplomatic capacity.

In ancient Rome, legates were prominent officials. A legatus Augusti pro praetore acted as a provincial governor with imperial authority, while a legatus legionis commanded a legion. Other legates served as deputies of governors or as officials in charge of certain provinces or bureaucratic tasks. The position signified trust and authority delegated from the emperor or senior magistrates, and legates could wield substantial military and civil power within their assignments.

In the Roman Catholic Church, a legate is a representative of the Pope. Papal legates can have varying ranks and powers, from diplomatic envoys to ecclesiastical administrators. Distinctions exist among different types, such as apostolic legates, who may or may not possess diplomatic status, and legates a latere, who carry full papal authority for a particular mission or council. The role of legates has historically included mediating disputes, overseeing church councils, and representing the Holy See in international affairs.

Beyond classical and ecclesiastical contexts, legat appears in several languages to denote an envoy or representative. The term should not be confused with legatee, the recipient of a legacy in a will.

Overall, legat denotes a person authorized to act on behalf of another, in settings ranging from imperial administration to papal diplomacy, reflecting the long-standing concept of delegated representation.