Cardinal (Catholic Church)
Introduction
A cardinal in the Catholic Church is a senior ecclesiastical leader, considered a Prince of the Church, and usually an ordained bishop. Cardinals are appointed by the Pope and are collectively known as the College of Cardinals. Their primary responsibility is to elect a new pope in a conclave, following the death or resignation of a pope. Beyond this, cardinals often serve as principal advisors to the pope and hold significant administrative roles within the church.
Historical Development
The role of cardinals has evolved considerably since its inception. The term "cardinal" originally referred to any priest permanently assigned to a church, but by the 8th century, it began to denote a more specific role within the Roman clergy. By the 12th century, the College of Cardinals had become the body responsible for electing the pope, a function that remains their most significant duty today.
The structure and function of the College of Cardinals were formalized during the Lateran Councils and further refined by successive popes. The reforms of Pope Sixtus V in the late 16th century established the maximum number of cardinals at 70, a limit that was later abolished by Pope John XXIII.
Appointment and Composition
Cardinals are appointed by the pope in a consistory, a formal meeting of the College of Cardinals. While traditionally all cardinals were members of the clergy, in recent times, there have been instances of laymen being appointed as cardinals, although they are typically ordained shortly thereafter.
The College of Cardinals is divided into three orders: cardinal bishops, cardinal priests, and cardinal deacons. Cardinal bishops are the senior members and hold the title of suburbicarian dioceses around Rome. Cardinal priests are typically bishops of important dioceses worldwide, while cardinal deacons often hold significant curial positions within the Vatican.
Functions and Responsibilities
Papal Conclave
The most critical function of the College of Cardinals is the election of a new pope. This occurs in a papal conclave, which is convened after the death or resignation of a pope. Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote in the conclave. The conclave is held in the Sistine Chapel, and the cardinals are sequestered from the outside world until a new pope is elected.
Advisory Role
Cardinals serve as principal advisors to the pope, offering counsel on a wide range of ecclesiastical and administrative matters. Many cardinals head important departments within the Roman Curia, the administrative apparatus of the Holy See, which assists the pope in governing the Church.
Pastoral and Diplomatic Duties
In addition to their roles within the Vatican, cardinals often oversee major archdioceses around the world, providing pastoral care to large Catholic populations. They also frequently undertake diplomatic missions on behalf of the pope, representing the Holy See in international matters.
Symbolism and Insignia
Cardinals are easily recognizable by their distinctive red attire, which symbolizes their willingness to defend the faith even to the point of shedding their blood. This includes a red zucchetto (skullcap), biretta (a square cap), and cassock (robe). The red hat, or galero, is a traditional symbol of the cardinalate, though it is no longer worn.
Recent Reforms and Developments
In recent years, there have been significant reforms in the appointment and roles of cardinals. Pope Francis has emphasized the need for a more inclusive and representative College of Cardinals, appointing cardinals from diverse geographical regions and backgrounds. This shift reflects the global nature of the Catholic Church and aims to address contemporary challenges facing the Church.