At the heart of the Catholic Church's governance, immediately following the Pope in seniority, stands the figure of a Cardinal. Deriving their title from the Latin Sanctae Romanae Ecclesiae cardinalis, meaning "cardinal of the Holy Roman Church," these esteemed individuals represent the pinnacle of the clergy. Appointed for life, they collectively form the venerable College of Cardinals, a body with profound influence and unique responsibilities within the global Church.

The College of Cardinals: Pillars of the Church

The most solemn duty entrusted to the College of Cardinals is the election of a new Pontiff during a papal conclave. When the Holy See becomes vacant – whether due to a Pope's death or resignation – it is this exclusive body that convenes to choose a successor, almost invariably selecting one of their own members, though history records a few rare exceptions. During the interim period between a Pope's departure and the election of a new leader, the day-to-day administration and governance of the Holy See fall directly under the College's watchful eye. It's important to note a specific age restriction for this sacred duty: only cardinals who have not yet celebrated their 80th birthday by the day the vacancy occurs are permitted to participate in the conclave's voting.

Beyond the Papal Election: Varied Roles and Service

While the conclave is their most prominent function, cardinals serve the Church in many other crucial capacities. They regularly gather for papal consistories, typically held annually, where significant matters pertaining to the Church's doctrine, pastoral care, and global mission are discussed and deliberated. It is also during these consistories that new cardinals may be formally created. Furthermore, many cardinals of working age are entrusted with leadership roles, overseeing various dicasteries within the Roman Curia – the central administrative apparatus of the Catholic Church. This involves guiding departments responsible for everything from doctrine and liturgy to evangelization and charity, effectively running the global bureaucracy of the Holy See.

Who Becomes a Cardinal? A Path of Service and Selection

The esteemed ranks of the College of Cardinals are filled by individuals from diverse backgrounds, each having already demonstrated a significant commitment to the Church. Most commonly, a cardinal is a current or retired bishop or archbishop, often leading a prominent diocese in their respective country or region. Others might be titular bishops, serving or having served as high-ranking officials within the Roman Curia, frequently at the helm of its various dicasteries and related bodies. In rarer instances, a Pope might elevate a priest, recognized for exceptional service to the Church, directly to the cardinalate. While canon law generally requires a cardinal to be consecrated as a bishop, the Pope can, and sometimes does, grant a special dispensation for priests in these specific cases. Intriguingly, there are no rigid, codified criteria for elevation to this high office; the selection process is ultimately and entirely at the discretion of the reigning Pope, guided predominantly by tradition. Historically, even laymen held the title of cardinal before 1917, after which it became a requirement for a potential cardinal to be at least a priest.

A Glimpse into History: The 1939 Papal Conclave

To illustrate the gravity and process of a papal election, one can look back to the 1939 papal conclave. This particular conclave convened following the passing of Pope Pius XI on February 10, 1939. On March 1, all 62 eligible cardinals of the Catholic Church gathered in Rome, ready to undertake their solemn duty. Remarkably, the very next day, on just the third ballot, they elected Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli. Pacelli, who at the time served as both Camerlengo and Secretary of State, accepted his election and chose the regnal name Pius XII. Coincidentally, his election fell on his 63rd birthday, adding a personal note to this momentous occasion. This conclave holds a special place in history as the shortest of the entire 20th century. Furthermore, Pacelli's election was significant for other reasons: he was the first member of the Roman Curia to become Pope since Gregory XVI in 1831, and the first Roman citizen to ascend to the papacy since Innocent XIII in 1721.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cardinals

Who is a Cardinal in the Catholic Church?

A Cardinal is a senior member of the clergy of the Catholic Church, ranking immediately below the Pope. They are part of the College of Cardinals and are typically appointed for life.

What is the College of Cardinals?

The College of Cardinals is the collective body of all Cardinals. Its most crucial role is to elect a new Pope when the Holy See is vacant, but they also advise the Pope and participate in Church governance.

What is the most important duty of Cardinals?

Their most solemn responsibility is to elect a new Pope in a papal conclave. They also assist the Pope in the day-to-day governance of the Catholic Church, especially when the Holy See is vacant.

Who can participate in a papal conclave to elect a Pope?

Only Cardinals who have not yet reached their 80th birthday by the day the Holy See becomes vacant are eligible to participate and vote in a papal conclave.

How are Cardinals chosen?

Cardinals are personally appointed by the reigning Pope. While most are bishops or archbishops leading dioceses or serving in the Roman Curia, the selection is entirely at the Pope's discretion, guided by tradition.

What is the Roman Curia?

The Roman Curia is the central administrative body of the Catholic Church. Cardinals often serve in leadership roles within its various departments, known as dicasteries, which oversee different aspects of the Church's global operations.