Prelate

Prelate (Lat. prelatus, 'one set over'), in Church law, is the name given to the holders of those higher dignities in the church, to which, of their own right, is attached a proper jurisdiction, not derived by delegation from any superior official. In this sense the name comprises not only prelates of the first class, as bishops, but also the heads of religious orders, abbots or priors of religious houses, and other similar ecclesiastical dignitaries. In the pope's court and household many of the officials, although not possessing episcopal or quasi-episcopal jurisdiction, have the insignia and title of prelate; and these honours are frequently bestowed on clergy whose duties keep them far from Rome.