A more thorough explanation:

Definition: A potentate is a ruler who has a lot of power and influence. They are usually monarchs or leaders of a country or region.

Examples:

• The King of Saudi Arabia is a potentate who has a lot of control over his country.
• During the Middle Ages, the Pope was considered a potentate because of his religious and political power.

These examples illustrate how a potentate is someone who has a lot of power and control over a group of people or a region. The King of Saudi Arabia is a potentate because he is the ruler of his country and has a lot of influence over its laws and policies. Similarly, the Pope was considered a potentate during the Middle Ages because he had both religious and political power over the people of Europe.