regens cancellariam

The term "regens cancellariam" refers to a papal official who acted as the regent of the papal chancery, the administrative office of the Holy See. This role emerged in the 14th century, particularly during the Avignon Papacy and the Western Schism, when the regular chancellor was absent. The regens cancellariam would fulfill the duties of the chancellor, managing the chancery's operations.

The papal chancery itself evolved from the late-Roman imperial chancery. Initially, it was staffed by notaries and headed by officials like the bibliothecarius. By the 11th century, a chancellor, usually a cardinal, became the highest chancery official, though this role was later often filled by a vice-chancellor. The chancery was responsible for drafting and issuing papal documents, including privileges and bulls. The development of specific handwriting styles, like cancellaresca corsiva, also originated from the Vatican's chancellery in the 15th century.12