APOSTOLIC INTERNUNCIO. — The term *intermittus* is used in the briefs of Leo X to designate an envoy who exercises the office of ambassador until the sovereign has sent the proper ambassador: a kind of interim ambassador. An apostolic internuncio was also one who acted in place of the nuncio in the latter’s absence and until his arrival.
At present, however, by apostolic internuncio is meant a prelate, normally a titular archbishop, who is sent by the Roman Pontiff as his permanent diplomatic representative to the head of a State (Note of the Secretariat of State, 8 May 1916, *Fontes CIC*, VIII, no. 6457, p. 487). The internuncio differs from the nuncio in that he is not, like the latter, equated with the highest-ranking diplomat, but with a minister plenipotentiary.
This distinction applies solely to ceremonial prerogatives; the functions are in fact identical to those of the apostolic nuncio.