By the plenitude of his power, the Pope can constitute a layman commissary Apostolic for ecclesiastical affairs, but according to the common canon law only prelates or clerics of the higher orders should receive such a commission (Lib. Sext., c. II, de rescr., 1, 3).
The Pope's authority enables him to appoint a lay commissary Apostolic for ecclesiastical affairs, but according to canon law, only bishops or high-ranking clerics should be selected in these roles (Lib. Sext., c. II, de rescr., 1, 3).