(1) A body composed of persons legally appointed to perform some duty. A pontifical commission is a special committee of cardinals, named for certain purposes, such as the care of biblical studies or the restoration of church music. A prelatitial commission is a committee of prelates and scholars mostly attached to Roman Congregations in charge of special departments. A diocesan commission is a committee of clerics to care for the seminaries, synodal examinations, church music, and purity of teaching.
(2) A document issued by competent authority conferring rank or power on a person designated therein.
(3) The office or rank so held.