The commissioner of the Holy Office in its inquisitorial structure

Abstract

The figure of Commissioners stands out among the civil servants and collaborators of the tribunal of the Inquisition. Their activity took place in inquisitorial districts, within cities or regions far from the tribunal seat, where they served as a prolongation of it. Given the large size of some districts, Commissioners were especially relevant in America. They could be appointed by local tribunals or by the General Inquisitor. They were a familiar representative of the Holy Office for the ordinary citizen. Despite the homogeneous image that has often been given of this figure, very different types of Commissioners could be found. The aim of this paper is to provide a systematization of Commissioner types according to the title they receive and the functions they perform. The figure of the Commissioner, who was usually a clergyman, appears rather late in the 16th century, as the Inquisition evolved,– but will persist until the 19th century.