A cardinal, derived from the Latin phrase Sanctae Romanae Ecclesiae cardinalis, literally meaning "cardinal of the Holy Roman Church," stands as a profoundly senior member of the Catholic Church's clergy. This distinguished role places them immediately behind the Pope in the sacred order of precedence, marking them as pivotal figures in the Church's governance and spiritual life. Collectively, these venerable individuals form the College of Cardinals, an assembly whose members are appointed for life, signifying a lifelong commitment to their extraordinary responsibilities.

The Vital Role of Cardinals in the Catholic Church

The most solemn and enduring responsibility of the College of Cardinals is undoubtedly the election of a new Pope. This critical process occurs in a gathering known as a conclave, a word stemming from the Latin "cum clave" meaning "with a key," referring to the historical practice of locking cardinals away until a decision is reached. Almost without exception, the new Pope is chosen from among the cardinals themselves, though history records a handful of rare instances where this was not the case. This sacred duty arises whenever the Holy See becomes vacant, whether through the death or resignation of a reigning pontiff. During the interim period, known as sede vacante (Latin for "the seat being vacant"), the day-to-day administration and governance of the Holy See are entrusted to the College of Cardinals, ensuring the Church's continuity and stability.

However, not all cardinals participate in the papal conclave. A crucial regulation limits the right to cast a vote to cardinals who have not yet reached the age of 80 years by the day the papal vacancy occurs. This age restriction aims to ensure that the electors possess the necessary vitality and discernment for such a momentous decision. Beyond the conclave, cardinals also convene in papal consistories, which typically occur annually. These gatherings serve as essential forums where matters of significant importance to the universal Church are deliberated, and it is often during these consistories that the Pope formally creates new cardinals, expanding the College's ranks.

In addition to these pivotal functions, cardinals of working age are frequently appointed to lead various dicasteries of the Roman Curia. The Roman Curia acts as the central administrative apparatus of the Catholic Church, akin to a government's ministries, and these cardinal-prefects guide its crucial work, overseeing vast areas of Church life, from doctrine to evangelization, from charitable works to liturgy.

Pathways to Becoming a Cardinal

Cardinals are drawn from a diverse array of backgrounds, often serving in their cardinalatial role concurrently with existing responsibilities within the Church. The vast majority of cardinals are current or retired bishops or archbishops who lead dioceses across the globe, frequently presiding over the most prominent or historically significant archdioceses in their respective countries. Others are titular bishops, a title granted to those who serve as current or former officials within the Roman Curia, typically leading dicasteries or other bodies connected with the Curia's operations.

A very small and exceptional number are priests recognized by the Pope for their extraordinary service to the Church. While Canon Law generally stipulates that these priests must be consecrated as bishops before they can be elevated to the cardinalate, the Pope can, and sometimes does, grant a special papal dispensation from this requirement. There are no rigid, codified criteria for elevation to the College of Cardinals; the selection rests entirely with the reigning pontiff, whose choices are primarily guided by tradition and the specific needs of the Church. Historically, laymen have held the title of cardinal, but since a decree by Pope Benedict XV in 1917, a potential cardinal must already be at least a priest.

A Glimpse into the Life of Pope Benedict XVI

Pope Benedict XVI, born Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger on April 16, 1927, in Bavaria, Germany, was a retired prelate of the Catholic Church whose tenure as head of the Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State spanned from 2005 until his historic resignation in 2013. His election as Pope occurred during the 2005 papal conclave, convened in the wake of the passing of his beloved predecessor, Pope John Paul II. Upon his unprecedented resignation, Benedict XVI chose to adopt the unique title of "Pope Emeritus," a new designation for a living former pontiff.

Benedict XVI's Academic and Curial Career

Ordained as a priest in 1951 in his native Bavaria, Joseph Ratzinger swiftly embarked on an illustrious academic career. By the late 1950s, he had established himself as a highly regarded theologian, known for his profound intellectual prowess. His rapid ascent saw him appointed a full professor at the remarkably young age of 31 in 1958. After a distinguished career teaching theology at several prominent German universities, a significant shift in his path occurred in 1977 when Pope Paul VI appointed him Archbishop of Munich and Freising and simultaneously created him a cardinal. This was an unusual promotion for an individual with relatively little prior pastoral experience, highlighting his intellectual contributions over traditional clerical progression.

In 1981, Pope John Paul II called him to Rome, appointing him Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, one of the most powerful and important dicasteries within the Roman Curia, responsible for safeguarding Catholic doctrine. His influence within the Vatican grew steadily, and from 2002 until his own election as Pope, he also served as the Dean of the College of Cardinals. For a quarter-century prior to ascending to the papacy, Cardinal Ratzinger was a towering figure on the Vatican stage, wielding an influence "second to none when it came to setting church priorities and directions" as one of John Paul II's closest and most trusted confidants. He remained a resident of Rome from 1981 onwards.

The Papacy of Benedict XVI (2005-2013)

Throughout his prolific career, Pope Benedict XVI's writings consistently defended traditional Catholic doctrine and values. Interestingly, he began his theological journey as a liberal theologian but gradually adopted more conservative views after the transformative year of 1968. During his papacy, Benedict XVI passionately advocated for a return to fundamental Christian values, viewing it as essential to counteract the increasing secularization observed in many Western countries. He particularly viewed relativism's denial of objective truth, and especially the denial of moral truths, as the central challenge of the 21st century. His teachings consistently emphasized the profound importance of both the Catholic Church and a deeper understanding of God's redemptive love.

Benedict XVI also revived a number of venerable Church traditions, including elevating the Tridentine Mass (the older Latin form of the Mass) to a more prominent position within the Church. He actively strengthened the intrinsic relationship between the Catholic Church and the arts, promoted the enduring use of the Latin language, and reintroduced traditional papal vestments, earning him the affectionate moniker "the Pope of aesthetics." Widely acknowledged as "the main intellectual force in the Church" since the mid-1980s, his papacy was marked by a deep commitment to intellectual rigor and theological clarity.

A Historic Resignation and Retirement

On February 11, 2013, in an act that stunned the world, Pope Benedict XVI unexpectedly announced his resignation in a speech delivered in Latin before the cardinals. He cited a "lack of strength of mind and body" due to his advanced age as the reason for his decision, stating that he no longer felt capable of adequately fulfilling the demanding duties of the Petrine office. His resignation became effective on February 28, 2013. This momentous decision made him the first Pope to resign since Gregory XII in 1415, and notably, the first to do so on his own initiative since Celestine V in 1294, making it an truly historic event in modern Church history.

As Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI retained the honorific style of "His Holiness" and continued to dress in the traditional papal color of white, albeit without the red mozzetta. He was succeeded by Pope Francis on March 13, 2013. On May 2, 2013, he moved into the newly renovated Mater Ecclesiae Monastery within the Vatican Gardens for his retirement, a place of prayer and quiet contemplation. In his retirement, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI occasionally made public appearances alongside Pope Francis, symbolizing a unique continuity and spiritual fraternity.

Legacy and Personal Life

Beyond his native German, Pope Benedict XVI possessed an impressive linguistic aptitude, with proficiency in French, Italian, English, Latin, and Spanish, and the ability to read Ancient Greek and Biblical Hebrew. His intellectual stature was further recognized through his membership in several prestigious scientific academies, such as the French Académie des Sciences Morales et Politiques. In his personal life, he was a keen pianist, holding a particular fondness for the compositions of Mozart and Bach.

On September 4, 2020, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI achieved another historical milestone, becoming the longest-lived person to have held the office of Pope, reaching 93 years, 4 months, and 16 days, thereby surpassing the record previously held by Pope Leo XIII, who died in 1903.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a Cardinal in the Catholic Church?

A Cardinal is a senior clergyman in the Catholic Church, second in precedence only to the Pope. They are members of the College of Cardinals and are appointed for life, serving as key advisors and administrators for the Church.

What are the main responsibilities of Cardinals?

Their most crucial responsibility is to elect a new Pope during a conclave when the Holy See is vacant. They also govern the Church during the interim period (sede vacante), participate in papal consistories to discuss important Church matters, and many lead dicasteries within the Roman Curia, the Church's central administration.

Who can participate in a papal conclave?

Only Cardinals who have not yet reached their 80th birthday by the day the papal vacancy occurs are eligible to participate and vote in a conclave to elect a new Pope.

Who was Pope Benedict XVI?

Pope Benedict XVI, born Joseph Ratzinger, served as the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State from 2005 until his resignation in 2013. He was a highly influential theologian and a significant figure in the Vatican for decades before his papacy.

Why did Pope Benedict XVI resign?

Pope Benedict XVI resigned on February 11, 2013, citing a "lack of strength of mind and body" due to his advanced age, stating that he no longer felt capable of fulfilling the demands of the papal office. This was a historically rare event, marking the first papal resignation on his own initiative in over 700 years.

What does "Pope Emeritus" mean?

"Pope Emeritus" is the title Benedict XVI adopted upon his resignation. It signifies that he remains a bishop in the Catholic Church but no longer holds the active office of Pope. He retained the style of "His Holiness" and continued to wear white papal vestments in his retirement.