Please define the following key terms.
-legates

Question

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The Answer is The term "legates" refers to individuals who are appointed as representatives or delegates, often with a specific mission or authority. Historically, the term is most commonly associated with representatives or envoys of the Pope, known as papal legates. These ecclesiastical diplomats are sent on behalf of the Holy See to carry out various tasks, such as representing the Pope at church councils, making decisions on ecclesiastical matters, or delivering messages to secular and religious leaders.

Papal legates could be cardinals, archbishops, or bishops who are given authority to act in the name of the Pope. Their roles and responsibilities can vary widely, from administrative duties to resolving disputes, and they often have significant influence due to the authority vested in them by the papacy.

In a broader sense, the term "legate" can also be used to describe any ambassador or envoy who represents a government, organization, or ruler, although this usage is less common in modern times. In ancient Rome, a legate (legatus) was a high-ranking officer or personal envoy of the Roman emperor, often appointed to govern a province or command a military legion.

In summary, "legates" are individuals who are appointed to represent and act on behalf of a higher authority or leader, with the term most traditionally associated with papal representatives in the context of the Roman Catholic Church.

Please Define the Following Key Terms