A diocesan chancery is the branch of administration that handles all written documents used in the official government of a Catholic diocese.
It is in the diocesan chancery that, under the direction of the bishop or his representative (the local ordinary), all documents which concern the diocese are drawn up, copied, forwarded, and a record kept of all official writings expedited or received.
The official charged with the execution of these duties is known as the diocesan chancellor.