Page "Abbreviator" Paragraph 13

Many great privileges were conferred upon Abbreviators in the past.

By decree of pope Leo X they were created papal nobles, ranking as Comes palatinus (' Count Palatine '), familiars and members of the papal household, so that they might enjoy all the privileges of domestic prelates and of prelates in actual attendance on the Pope, as regards plurality of benefices as well as expectives.

They and their clerics and their properties were exempt from all jurisdiction except the immediate jurisdiction of the Pope, and they were not subject to the judgments of the Auditor of Causes, or to the Cardinal Vicar.

He also empowered them to confer ( later within strict limitations ) the degree of Doctor, with all university privileges, create notaries ( later abrogated ), legitimize children so as to make them eligible to receive benefices vacated by their fathers ( now revoked ), also to ennoble three persons and to make Knights of the Order of St. Sylvester ( Militiae Aureae ), the same to enjoy and to wear the insignia of nobility.

Pope Gregory XVI rescinded this privilege and reserved to the Pope the right of creation of such knights ( Acta Pont.

Greg.

XVI, Vol.

III, 178-179-180 ).