Is this akin to the custom by which kings and popes refer to themselves as "we"?

Yes it is.

Seine Magnifizenz der Hochsekretär ... geruhen ...

Is an indicator for this (now obsolete) form. Basically it is pluralis majestatis, that was used for high rank aristocrats, or even officials (like in your example).

Other examples of indicators:

Seine Hochwohlgeboren Graf von Koks ... geruhen ...

 

Ihre Majestät ... geruhen ...

Is this akin to the custom by which kings and popes refer to themselves as "we"?

Yes it is.

Seine Magnifizenz der Hochsekretär ... geruhen ...

Is an indicator for this (now obsolete) form. Basically it is pluralis majestatis, that was used for high rank aristocrats, or even officials (like in your example).

Other examples of indicators:

Seine Hochwohlgeboren Graf von Koks ... geruhen ...

Ihre Majestät ... geruhen ...

Is this akin to the custom by which kings and popes refer to themselves as "we"?

Yes it is.

Seine Magnifizenz der Hochsekretär ...

Is an indicator for this (now obsolete) form. Basically it is pluralis majestatis, that was used for high rank aristocrats, or even officials (like in your example).

Other examples of indicators:

Seine Hochwohlgeboren Graf von Koks ...

Ihre Majestät ...

Is this akin to the custom by which kings and popes refer to themselves as "we"?

Yes it is.

Seine Magnifizenz der Hochsekretär ... geruhen ...

Is an indicator for this (now obsolete) form. Basically it is pluralis majestatis, that was used for high rank aristocrats, or even officials (like in your example).

Other examples of indicators:

Seine Hochwohlgeboren Graf von Koks ... geruhen ...

Ihre Majestät ... geruhen ...